Every year, thousands of startup dreams hit the TechCrunch Disrupt runway in San Francisco. But many founders believe they’re too early to apply for Startup Battlefield. Wrong! This isn’t about having traction or being funded; it's about having an idea that could change everything.

We're looking for companies with ideas so groundbreaking, they make existing solutions feel obsolete. Your product needs to represent a real shift in how something works, and your founding team must be able to articulate why you’re the one to build this game-changing solution. Plus, if you’ve already shown some promise, just show us what you have!

And don’t let perfectionism hold you back. We can see through carefully managed applications that lack authenticity. Instead, focus on showing your product working in real time and telling your story with honesty and passion. If you’re not ready yet, don’t panic; you can resubmit until the deadline.

For more insights from past Battlefield companies and founders, check out Build Mode, TechCrunch’s podcast for early-stage founders. You never know when your idea will catch the world's attention – or at least the AI's!