Top 7 Space and Defense Tech Startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield

Every year, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield pitch competition attracts thousands of applicants. We reduce these applications to the top 200 contendersand among them, the top 20 compete on the big stage to become the winner, taking home the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 cash prize. But the remaining 180 startups also blew us away in their respective categories and are participating in their own pitch competition.

Here’s the full list of space and defense technology startups selected for Battlefield 200, along with a note explaining why they landed in the competition.

Airbility

What it does: Airbility creates two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Why it’s remarkable: Its aircraft use a unique fixed-wing VTOL technology combined with a distributed electric fan jet propulsion system that makes them light, maneuverable and versatile.

Star Drive Aerospace

What it does: Astrum has developed a space propulsion system without a propellant and operating solely on electricity.

Why it’s notable: The company says its patented technology eliminates the need to carry fuel on board, which can extend the life of craft, reduce costs and enable deep space exploration.

Charter Space

What it does: Offers fintech-esq risk analysis platform for spacecraft which allows them to obtain insurance coverage.

Why it’s notable: The company’s goal is to use insurability as a springboard to power new forms of credit for the space industry.

Endox

What it does: Endox offers AI systems that help inspect and maintain U.S. military systems and equipment.

Why it’s notable: Endox combines its own proprietary data capture systems with robotic technology.

Hance

What it does: Hance builds an AI neural network specifically to process and enhance audio in real time.

Why it’s notable: Hance’s audio AI is designed to handle the unpredictable nature of live audio with its background noise, room reverb, and uncontrolled environments, such as those encountered by the military.

Skylark Laboratories

What it does: Skylark has created self-learning AI specifically designed for use by machines and in security applications.

Why it’s notable: Skylark attempts to solve technical problems related to physically embodied AI, such as rapid processing of information at the edge.

Skyline Nav AI

What it does: Created navigation software not dependent on GPS.

Why it’s notable: Skyline uses AI to quickly recognize a scene without expensive GPUs and is effective in combating GPS jamming technology.