Intero Biosystems wins TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2026
Intero Biosystems defeated four other finalists to claim the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 prize at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The Denver-based company develops lab-grown intestinal tissue to accelerate drug testing for pharmaceutical and biotech clients.
Intero Biosystems has been named the winner of the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2026, a competition held over three days in San Francisco during TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The company, founded by Charlie Childs and Madeline Eichen and spun out of the University of Michigan, secured the top prize after being selected from a field of five finalists: Apathe, Phlox Intelligence, Industrial Next, and Satellite. The winner was chosen from a top 20 group that competed for the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 cash prize. Judges, comprising venture capitalists and technology leaders, evaluated live demos from the finalists.
Intero Biosystems specializes in creating 1mm human intestinal organoids, which are lab-grown tissues that mimic the gut environment. These organoids allow researchers to study drug effects before human trials begin. The company’s flagship product, GastroScreen, is currently sold to pharmaceutical, biotech, food, and chemical companies. The victory marks a significant milestone for the startup, which leverages its academic roots to provide a critical tool for preclinical drug development.