Have an idea and less than $2.5 mn funding? Sign up for TechCrunch Startup Alley

If you are a new start up with great ideas in need for funding and the right contacts, you may have the chance to show off your skills and compete for the $50,000 grand prize at Disrupt NY, TechCrunch's big conference in New York between 29 April and 1 May at the Manhattan Center in New York.

According to the TechCrunch release, Startup Alley, which introduces a range of exciting companies to the marketplace, many who are launching at Disrupt for the first time, will focus on talent from Brazil, India and Israel this year rather than just Silicon Valley. Eligibility criteria include at least a 2-year-old company with less than $2.5 million in funding to date.

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A total of 100 companies will be launched at the Startup Alley.[/caption]

" With their supersized populations of digital consumers, Brazil and India typify some of the most exciting elements of emerging economy market growth. And while Israel is significantly smaller, it provides an anchor for what is happening in the wider Middle East/north African region. But it's not just a simple numbers game: all three countries are also pushing the envelope on some of the coolest innovations in technology and engineering. This combination of these two currents is driving a lot of activity that is increasingly helping the three countries gain an international profile in terms of new business and investment," said the release.

A total of 100 companies will be launched at the Startup Alley.

On Monday and Tuesday, the audience votes for their "Audience Choice Winner". Each day, the audience favorite receives the last spot to compete on stage as part of that day's Battlefield contestants. If chosen, that company will be eligible to compete in the Battlefield Finals for the $50,000 grand prize and coveted Disrupt Cup.

Read more here