Final extension: Startup Battlefield Australia applications now close July 20

In response to a surge of interest, the deadline for applications to Startup Battlefield Australia has been pushed back to July 20. If you've been considering applying, now is the time to act, as there won't be another extension. Since its inception in 2017, Startup Battlefield Australia has seen 26 alumni companies collectively secure over $147 million in funding, alongside three successful acquisitions. These startups have attracted investment from some of the most esteemed investors globally, including Y Combinator, Blackbird Ventures, and Microsoft, among others. It all began with a single choice: applying. This event is not just another pitch competition; it represents a unique opportunity for ambitious founders to gain visibility, credibility, and invaluable connections that can take years to establish. On August 19, 2026, eight selected startups will present their ideas live at the Stripe Tour in Sydney. The top three will be awarded up to $15,000 in Stripe fee credits, while the grand prize includes automatic entry into the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this October — no secondary application required. We are on the lookout for early-stage startups from Australia and New Zealand. You don’t have to be well-known; we want to discover the next big name. This extension offers a brief respite, but the clock is ticking. Ensure that your application is submitted by July 20. The application process is free, with no equity taken, presenting a significant chance that could alter the course of your startup’s future.