Startups Beyond IT
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The term "startup" has increasingly become synonymous with the IT industry. As a result, many aspiring entrepreneurs think primarily in terms of tech solutions when brainstorming new business ideas. But the truth is, profitable and innovative startups can arise in virtually any sector—from quick and seamless moving services to eco-friendly product lines.
With creativity, a solid understanding of business processes, and a bit of boldness, it’s possible to build a successful, high-revenue company outside the tech world. Thousands of entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable success by innovating in fields unrelated to IT, creating services and products that fill unique gaps in the market.
This section provides insights into successful non-IT startups, featuring stories of entrepreneurs who’ve made their mark in diverse industries. By examining these examples, you’ll discover inspiring, practical ideas and gain a fresh perspective on potential business opportunities. We continuously monitor the latest trends and promising ventures, offering you early access to some of the most exciting startup concepts outside the tech sphere. Follow this series, and find inspiration to create your own standout business.
Blanket that guarantees a peaceful night's sleep
In apartment buildings, unwanted noises can often disrupt a good night's sleep. Eliminating them can be a challenge, both in terms of difficulty and cost. Addressing this issue, experts at Cambridge Sound Management, a leading American company, have developed a groundbreaking solution. According to the developers, their noise-cancelling blanket is designed to absorb all disruptive sounds, ensuring you enjoy a restful and peaceful sleep environment.
The Ice Fairy Tale All Year Round
Each year, near the northern Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, one of the world's most unique hotels emerges - the Icehotel. Every nook and cranny, from the bar counter to the drinking glasses to the room walls, is meticulously crafted from ice blocks. Naturally, such an architectural wonder could only exist in the cold season when the environmental temperature prevents the building from melting, and the nearby river boasts an ample supply of pristine ice for construction. However, many visitors were captivated by this architectural marvel even in the summertime. To ensure they wouldn't miss out on experiencing the icy hotel, the innovative Icehotel 365 project was conceived.
Growing Cell-Based Food from Berries
The rapid growth of the global population (expected to reach around 9 billion by 2050) and the widespread urbanization pose the challenge of ensuring food security for all Earth's inhabitants. To tackle this issue, scientists at the Finnish research company VTT have developed an innovative solution. Their brainchild, the CellPod, enables individuals to cultivate cell-based food from common berries within the comfort of their homes. This breakthrough technology presents a promising step towards addressing the looming food crisis caused by population expansion and urban sprawl.
Tesla's Solar Roof
Tesla is diving deep into home energy technologies, with a potential integration with the largest solar panel installer in the United States, SolarCity, driving this forward.
Restaurant and Fun all in one Package
A truly captivating and innovative dining experience awaits at the Rollercoaster Restaurant, nestled within the bustling Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. Unlike traditional eateries, here, your meal isn't served by regular waitstaff but by fascinating mechanical contraptions reminiscent of American roller coasters. This unique blend of visual spectacle and culinary delight makes dining at Rollercoaster Restaurant a thrill for all the senses.
Solar-Powered Outlet
During the Design Week in Dubai, students from the Samsung Institute of Art and Design unveiled a groundbreaking concept. Their invention harnesses solar power to function as a regular household outlet, revolutionizing the way we power our devices.
Introducing a New Type of Footwear for Horses
Despite their apparent benefits, horseshoes can cause a lot of discomfort to horses. Hammering nails into the animal's hoof to put them on can be painful, not to mention the inconvenience of them getting lost and the hindrance they pose when the horse walks on rough terrain. Austrian animal welfare advocates took on this challenge and developed the MegasusHorserunners to address this issue.
A Fresh Way to Tackle Parking "Heroes"
Improper parking has long been a major headache for big cities. Municipal authorities struggle to keep up with penalizing all the folks who think it's okay to leave their ride where it doesn't belong. And let's face it - those modern wheel locks are a real pain to use and can be removed by offenders without breaking a sweat. But guess what? In New York City, they've come up with a genius solution to sidestep all these issues. A new windshield locking system not only makes life easier for the city workers, but it's also way more cost-effective compared to your run-of-the-mill wheel boot.
The Perfect Solution to the Lost Sock Dilemma
Losing or ruining one sock from a pair is a frustration we've all experienced. A smart solution to this pesky problem was devised by the Danish design studio URU Design. They proposed ditching sock pairs altogether and only producing odd-numbered socks in coordinating colors. This genius concept was branded as Solosocks.
Essential Business Q&A: Expert Answers & Insights
Food Service & Culinary Business Ideas
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How to Set Up a Food Delivery Service
There are basic needs essential for human existence, and food is definitely one of them. This is why the food industry will always be in demand and relevant. Particularly, businesses offering high-quality service and food delivery appeal to many. After all, everyone craves tasty and nutritious meals, but not everyone has the time or desire to dine out. Surprisingly, only a small fraction of dining establishments offer delivery services. Therefore, establishing a delivery service can be a challenging yet highly profitable venture for businesses in any area.
Alarm Clock that Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep issues significantly impact the quality of life and work productivity of most people around the world. The creators of Kello alarm clock claim that it has the power to completely transform this unpleasant situation.
Simple Way to Save Water Consumption
The looming global water shortage could become one of humanity's biggest challenges in the next few decades. Despite this, we continue to use this vital resource inefficiently, especially in everyday households. According to experts, over 120 liters of water per day go down the drain from a single faucet with regular usage. Enter the groundbreaking Altered:Nozzle, a revolutionary innovation designed to tackle this issue head-on.
Business Trends & Emerging Opportunities
Construction & Building Materials Business Ideas
05.10.2016
50
Machine Transforms Construction Waste into Useful Materials
Construction waste poses a significant challenge for our planet's environment. In many cases, it is laden with numerous harmful chemical compounds that are detrimental to the surrounding ecosystem and are extremely difficult to dispose of properly. Even recyclable waste requires lengthy transportation to specialized facilities, resulting in substantial emissions of greenhouse gases and millions of dollars in losses annually.
Super Compact and Economical Living on Wheels
Mobile housing has become a common sight across the United States. However, the concept struggled to take off in the former Soviet territories until recently, due to the high cost involved. That could all change with the introduction of a new design by Ukrainian engineers.
Octopus Backpacks from Belarus
Gone are the days when ordinary items made an impression. Today, originality and unexpected design solutions are all the rage. Creative duo Alexander Dedkov and Olga Kotova from Belarus have perfectly captured this trend. Their felt backpacks have become a real sensation, enjoying immense popularity both within and beyond the country's borders.
Elon Musk's Younger Brother Embarks on Urban Farming
Elon Musk's brother, Kimbal Musk, has announced the launch of an unprecedented new venture, SquareRoots, focused on urban food cultivation. The startup will have a pilot launch to showcase the industry's advantages to potential investors. Get ready to witness a groundbreaking approach to growing food in city settings!
Evaptainer - a fridge that runs without electricity
According to the United Nations, there is a critical food spoilage crisis happening globally. More than 40% of all food supplies in underdeveloped countries go bad before reaching consumers due to severe electricity shortages in these regions, resulting in a complete lack of refrigeration.
A Hiking Windmill - A New Way to Generate Energy
Each year, the need to address environmental conservation becomes more urgent. This highlights the importance of developing alternative and eco-friendly energy sources, which is now more relevant than ever. Solar panels have become a common sight as a means to recharge our gadgets, reflecting the growing shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Drones, Robots, and Satellites: Growing Cucumbers Quite Well
The advent of widespread computerization is extending its reach into more aspects of our lives. Unexpectedly, the technological revolution and automation have now reached the agricultural sector. Soon, farmers may be distinguished not by calloused hands, but by the eyewear they sport, a result of long hours spent behind the controls of a robotic tractor.
Pancake Vending – a New Business Opportunity
In today's era of technological innovation, it's hard to imagine anyone being surprised by a vending machine selling sweets, sodas, or coffee. One of the latest types of cutting-edge vending machines that aims to impress consumers is the "Flapjack Express" - a machine that whips up delicious, hot pancakes for you in just minutes.
Where to Put Your Hands and Nerves?
Persistence and the fast pace of modern life have become polar opposites. For energetic individuals, engaging in repetitive tasks and maintaining focus can be challenging. Two inventors from Denver tackled this issue by introducing a simple yet innovative solution on the popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Their creation? A small gadget designed to reduce stress and channel energy. This idea proved to be a huge success, with funds raised in record time, and production already underway. The Fidget Cube raised over one and a half million dollars within a day, far surpassing the fifteen thousand needed to start manufacturing.
Free Iceland Guide
Travelers who cover vast distances have inspired the European airline Icelandair to organize complimentary tours for experiencing the wonders of this captivating land.
Cyclist's Safety Airbag
For drivers, taking care of their health has become a common and vitally important principle. But when it comes to cyclists, not many think about their protection. Bike owners use helmets to guard against head injuries, but often find them uncomfortable. Cyclists now have a great alternative to the traditional helmet – the sleek and innovative head protection device designed to keep them safe during rides. Prioritizing safety doesn't have to compromise style and comfort anymore.
Music for All Time
Everyone has their favorite songs, genres, and music eras. Sometimes, we yearn to revisit the times connected to specific songs. Unfortunately, a time machine is still a sci-fi dream. But hey, a radio designed for such nostalgia trips is already available. A New York-based company, "PARTY," has come up with a captivating radio concept. Their player, elegantly simple, categorizes music by years. Just turn the dial to your desired year and immerse yourself in the sounds of that era. It's as easy as that to transport yourself back to the musical vibe of 2007, 1999, or even all the way back to 1934.
BMW Fans Given the Opportunity to Run with Their Favorite Brand
One of the most talked-about innovations in the world of cars is BMW's concept car called the GINA Light Visionary Model. What sets it apart is its use of a special high-strength fabric material, allowing the car's shape to be altered while driving. This sparked the idea at Designworks, a subsidiary of the German automotive giant, to merge cutting-edge technologies with footwear.
Advancement in Automotive Technology
Since the days of Henry Ford, the automotive industry hasn't seen much change. A revolutionary breakthrough came with the launch of mass production of electric cars and the expansion of the "charging station" network. Despite demand still outweighing supply today, and the electric car market only being halfway tapped, French automakers have introduced a groundbreaking invention with enormous potential.
Mobile Barber Shop
Modern individuals highly value a precious and limited resource - time. Particularly, male representatives are keen on saving time while still wanting to maintain their attractiveness. This need was cleverly addressed by entrepreneurs from the Netherlands who showcased a mobile barbershop at a festival. They ingeniously combined time-saving with grooming services by transforming a food truck into a barber shop on wheels, offering male attendees the convenience of getting a haircut while enjoying the event.
Mountain Business Training
Various workshops and seminars are highly popular and in high demand. Business leaders consider it essential to acquire additional knowledge and enhance the skill levels of their employees. This ongoing trend emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development in today's competitive business landscape.
The Bottle that Turns Air into Water
Access to clean drinking water is crucial, yet not universally available. For avid travelers, carrying extra weight in the form of water and planning routes to refill supplies can be a hassle. However, an innovative solution created by Austrian inventor, Christopher Retesar, has revolutionized the way water is sourced. His groundbreaking invention involves a bottle that literally extracts water from the air, offering a sustainable solution to the water scarcity challenge.
Automatic Stroller for Kids
Funds are being raised on the IndiGoGo website for the production of the first batch of Smartbe baby strollers. Smartbe is the world's first "smart" stroller designed to make parents' lives easier. This stroller is fully automated and packed with a wide range of features. Its standout feature is hands-free operation, thanks to the built-in motor. Join the crowdfunding campaign to bring this innovative stroller to families worldwide!
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