Full List of Government and Legal Startup Battlefield 200 Selectees
December 31, 2025
Every year, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield pitch contest attracts thousands of applicants worldwide. From these, the top 200 contenders are selected, with only 20 competing on stage for the coveted Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 cash prize. The remaining 180 startups have impressed us in their respective categories, exemplifying innovation and potential.
Below is the comprehensive list of government and legal Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with insights into why each team made it to the competition.
LegalTech Innovations Using AI and Robotics
Legal Intake Automation
What it does: Uses AI to automate legal intake forms and other documents for family law practices.
Why it’s noteworthy: It addresses divorce cases, an area often underserved by existing AI legal tech solutions.
Bot Mediation
What it does: Employs AI to facilitate the settlement of legal disputes.
Why it’s noteworthy: Enhances efficiency in mediation processes, making dispute resolution faster and more accessible.
Event: TechCrunch Event, San Francisco — October 13-15, 2026
Depth AI
What it does: Creates AI-powered spatial computing models, such as holographic imaging, used in healthcare for diagnostics.
Why it’s noteworthy: Aims to improve medical imaging and diagnostic accuracy using cutting-edge 3D visualization.
Ilias
What it does: Develops olfactory technology leveraging AI to help detect scents, useful for police dogs detecting drugs.
Why it’s noteworthy: Innovatively uses olfactory senses in conjunction with AI, a rare combination with significant potential in enforcement and detection.
Solutions for Society and Security
JustiGuide
What it does: Connects immigrants with lawyers and tools to streamline the immigration process.
Why it’s noteworthy: Recognized at Disrupt for addressing a complex, often frustrating, legal process with a timely platform.
Orchestra
What it does: Implements a network of cameras to enhance public safety and crime detection.
Why it’s noteworthy: A modern evolution of traditional security systems with real-time monitoring capabilities.
Technology for Disaster Response and Environment
Ascender
What it does: Builds robots capable of climbing utility poles and flagpoles for humanitarian and disaster response tasks.
Why it’s noteworthy: Part of a new wave of robotics designed to improve emergency and disaster aid.
Ponderosa AI
What it does: Utilizes drones to detect and help control small fires.
Why it’s noteworthy: Innovative approach to wildfire prevention, crucial as climate change increases wildfire risks.
Torch Systems
What it does: Monitors high-value assets, assessing air quality, fire risks, and security measures to prevent wildfires.
Why it’s noteworthy: Critical technology helping to mitigate the devastating effects of wildfires exacerbated by climate change.
Defense and Safety Tech
Pytho
What it does: Supports warfighters with more efficient battlefield planning tools.
Why it’s noteworthy: Continues innovation in military technology, ensuring strategic advantages.
Shothawk AI
What it does: Developed a device to detect, track, and subdue active shooters using pepper gel.
Why it’s noteworthy: Addresses rising gun violence in public spaces with a proactive safety solution.
Environmental & Climate Tech
Ponderosa AI
What it does: Uses drones to detect and help control small fires before they escalate.
Why it’s noteworthy: Crucial in wildfire prevention as climate change fuels more frequent and intense fires.
Torch Systems
What it does: Monitors air quality and assesses risks of fire outbreaks to help prevent wildfires early.
Why it’s noteworthy: Contributes to the global effort to combat and reduce wildfire devastation.
About the Author
Dominic-Madori Davis is a senior venture capital and startup reporter at TechCrunch based in New York City. For outreach or verification, contact her at dominic.davis@techcrunch.com or via Signal at +1 646 831-7565.
This list showcases the diverse innovation emerging from the legal and government sectors, combining AI, robotics, and environmental solutions.