TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield is preparing for its annual startup pitch smackdown. This dynamic celebration will bring thousands of applicants to San Francisco from October 13-15, 2026. As RVE participants, this annual event is deeply inspiring as we connect with some of the most innovative startups across industries. It’s a central element of the media & entertainment-focused Startup Battlefield 200 program.
TechCrunch takes pains every year to comb through applications and find the best possible 200 competitors. Of this pool, the non-profit organization then rules down a final 20 startups to go head-to-head on the main stage. Throughout the competition, we connect these startups with the private sector to help them test and deploy their innovative solutions. It provides them the opportunity to win the highly coveted Startup Battlefield Cup. The ultimate champion will win a $100,000 cash award. In the meantime, those other 180 startups will face off in their very own Startup Showcase pitch competition, increasing their exposure even further.
This year, a notable newcomer is a hot “SocialTV” startup. Through their new, social entertainment platform, they want to create a new way to experience entertainment and unlock consumer creativity. This startup is beating the startup drought with its innovative model that combines social connectivity with TV watching experiences.
Another interesting new music startup lets fans buy tokens for songs at whatever price they set. This model liberates artists by putting them in the driver’s seat when it comes to pricing their work. It guarantees that they are paid royalties each time their music is streamed. These initiatives are emblematic of a larger trend in the media and entertainment industry. Technology is providing an unprecedented level of control to creators to make a better living from their work.
The Startup Battlefield competition, organized by TechCrunch, features a dedicated media and entertainment category, highlighting the importance of innovation within this sector. With the disruption of traditional media models, gatherings like these are pivotal in cultivating the innovation and risk-taking that leads to entrepreneurial leaps.
