Every year, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield pitch contest draws thousands of applicants. We narrow those applications down to the top 200 contenders. From that group, the top 20 compete on the big stage for the Startup Battlefield Cup and a cash prize of $100,000. However, the remaining 180 startups also impressed us greatly across their respective categories and compete in their own pitch competition. Here is the full list of the biotech and pharma Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on why they stood out.
CASNX
What it does: CasNx has invented a new kind of antivirus treatment for organs from organ donors.
Why it’s noteworthy: The startup has created a gene-editing CRISPR kit that eliminates viruses and installs “universal donor” markers while the organ is being preserved outside the body.
CHIPIRON
What it does: Chipiron is building a light, inexpensive, and open full-body MRI machine intended to make MRI cancer diagnostics more widely available.
Why it’s noteworthy: This medical MRI machine is being built using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), a highly sensitive magnetometer that can measure extremely weak magnetic fields.
EXACTICS
What it does: Exactics is building a platform that creates rapid diagnostic tests.
Why it’s noteworthy: Exactics is attempting to make consumer diagnostic kits more widely available, beginning with at-home screening for Lyme disease, with kits for other illnesses planned.
LUMOS STRATEGIES OÜ
What it does: Lumos has created a consumer high-frequency electromagnetic device named Avara, which is targeted at red blood cells.
Why it’s noteworthy: Avara is designed to provide gentle, non-contact “inductive therapy” to improve sleep, relaxation, and exercise recovery.
MIRAQULES
What it does: Miraqules developed a nanotechnology in powder form that mimics blood-clotting proteins.
Why it’s noteworthy: This technology provides instant blood clotting and is a unique, potentially lifesaving alternative to traditional wound treatments, especially for patients at the scene of an injury.
NEPHROGEN
What it does: Nephrogen is creating gene therapy solutions for kidney illnesses.
Why it’s noteworthy: Nephrogen tackles the most difficult part of the gene-editing medicine problem. Its technology uses AI to accurately target gene-editing to the exact cells in the kidney causing the illness.
PRAXISPRO
What it does: PraxisPro is an AI-powered training system for sales and marketing roles in life science industries.
Why it’s noteworthy: The system provides compliance-approved content, complete with simulations and real-time analytics, to ensure those representing life science companies are properly prepared.
REME-D
What it does: Reme-D is developing reliable and affordable diagnostic tests specifically geared toward underserved communities.
Why it’s noteworthy: Reme-D is creating rapid diagnostic tests that are not only particularly affordable but also stable in hot and humid climates.
SURGICURE TECHNOLOGIES
What it does: Surgicure has created a patented solution that more safely and reliably secures endotracheal tubes.
Why it’s noteworthy: This device makes endotracheal tubes, the flexible tubes inserted through the mouth or nose during surgeries or other treatments, safer and more comfortable for patients.