Businessstartups
Intero Biosystems Wins Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
Intero Biosystems has emerged as the grand prize winner at the Startup Battlefield competition during TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco. The Denver-based biotech startup secured the $100,000 prize and the coveted trophy after outperforming 199 other competing companies. Founded by Charlie Childs and Madeline Eiken, the University of Michigan spinout develops innovative 1mm human intestinal organoids known as GastroScreen. This lab-grown tissue allows pharmaceutical and biotech companies to test compounds before human trials, offering a modern alternative to traditional animal testing.