TechCrunch is reminding Australian founders that applications for the Stripe x Startup Battlefield competition close in 48 hours, on 20 July 2026. The event, a first-time partnership between Stripe and TechCrunch, will see eight Australian startups pitch live at Stripe Tour Sydney on 19 August 2026, with the winner earning automatic entry into Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco this October, without needing to apply or compete further.

Three prizes are on offer: the grand winner receives $15,000 in Stripe fee credits plus the Disrupt slot, second place gets $5,000 in credits, and third place gets $2,000. All applicants, whether chosen to pitch or not, are invited to attend the Sydney event, and entry is free with no equity taken. TechCrunch says it is looking for promising rather than polished companies, does not require revenue or an existing customer base, and welcomes founders who have applied before; it advises applicants to show a working product on video, be candid about competitors, and explain their founding story, with the deadline of 11:59pm AEST on Monday 20 July fixed and not subject to extension.