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.
Ants in the Clock
Analog Watch Co. has introduced a truly unique timepiece called the Ant Watch. In a whimsical twist, this collection of watches defies conventions by not displaying the time at all. Instead of a traditional dial, these watches feature a sand-filled chamber housing a real ant farm. The ants inside go about their daily lives, following their own set of rules and behaviors. It's a fascinating blend of nature and timekeeping, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the tiny world of these industrious insects.
Renting Idle Cars at the Airport
Do you ever wonder how airports make money? Well, for starters, just one parking spot at the Melbourne airport can bring in up to half a million dollars a year. Imagine that! People driving in and jetting out of the city end up losing hundreds of dollars just to have their cars sit idle until they return. It's crazy to think that a week-long trip can end up costing more for parking than the actual plane tickets. The airport parking hustle is real!
Business Trends & Emerging Opportunities
Construction & Building Materials Business Ideas
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Transformer Space
Imagine how convenient it would be to make any space versatile, easily removing or adding walls, furniture, and windows. Asmbld Company has pioneered a way to bring this concept to life, with their system allowing rooms to transform at the owner's will.
Unique Wooden Rocking Chairs
Inventors are always coming up with clever ways to bring joy to children. Singaporean engineer Chan Wai Lim has created extraordinary rocking horses for kids of all ages. Drawing from her own childhood memories of playing with pets and wooden toys outdoors, she wanted to recreate that experience for today's children who may not have as many opportunities to connect with nature and animals.
Wind Turbine for the Roof
Scientists continuously develop models to save on electricity usage. Fiddler Company has introduced an innovative method that can potentially cut electricity bills by up to 50%.
Foam Polyethylene Play Area
What does it take to lift your mood? A playground filled with a plethora of unique items, of course! In the state of Indiana, designers brought their quirkiest idea to life by constructing rods of uniform size from extruded expanded polyethylene. Over 20,000 of these rods were used to completely fill the playground. Let your imagination run wild as you explore this whimsical wonderland in Indiana!
Discover a New Way to Easily Potty Train
Many young moms find themselves grappling with the challenge of potty training when it seems like the right age has come, but neither the child nor the mom is quite ready for it. This not only puts a strain on both of them emotionally but also on the numerous soft furnishings, carpets, and floors in the household. However, there is a method that can assist the little one in navigating the potty training process without any trauma, while allowing parents to maintain their peace of mind.
Literature on the Fast Track
The vending business niche in Russia has already been fairly well-established. However, it mainly consists of machines selling hot and cold drinks, snacks, and media publications. At first glance, entering this market may not seem like a smart business idea due to high competition. But here's the twist: imagine unique vending machines popping up in Grenoble, a scientific hub in the foothills of the Alps in France. These machines are designed to print short entertaining stories, tales, and novellas on receipt paper, providing a delightful way to pass the time during traffic jams or queues. These innovative devices are the brainchild of Short Edition, a publishing house specializing in short literary works.
Backpack with Battery: A Way to Earn Money
History has shown us that businesses with innovative ideas have the most successful and rapid start. One such promising startup idea is the sale of backpacks with built-in chargers, recently introduced by the HP brand under the name "Powerup Backpack." Despite looking like any other sporty backpack on the outside, this new product comes with a discreet hidden pocket designed to carry a 22,400 mAh battery, along with compartments for accompanying equipment such as cables and control sensors. This innovative concept demonstrates how blending style and functionality can give a fresh twist to everyday essentials.
Harnessing Solar Energy for Practical Purposes
Inventive students from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have developed an environmentally-friendly phone charger. This innovative project has been successfully implemented, benefiting migrants and refugees in Greece who now use the charger.
Sleeper Buses
The concept of buses where people can not only sit but also lie down is not a new innovation. In the United States, many music bands and their technical crews touring the country have long been using this mode of transportation to travel between cities. Essentially, they live in these buses since they often do not even get hotel rooms covered for overnight stays. Recently, SleepBus has adopted this type of buses for transporting regular passengers from Los Angeles to San Francisco and back – a journey of approximately 600 kilometers.
Smart Weather Clip-On Station
We all check the weather forecast before planning a trip or a picnic. However, throughout the day, predictions can change. How about inventing a gadget that alerts homeowners of any unexpected weather changes?
The Submarine Tugboat
For people living near the sea or other bodies of water, as well as those who enjoy spending their vacations by aquatic resources and staying active, innovations are being developed and perfected to enhance the familiar experiences. One of these novelties is the surfboard that allows you to ride even in calm conditions. Cayago AG has delighted adventure enthusiasts with another invention: the Seabob underwater scooter. This device lets you feel like a fish in the water, as even a child can easily handle its controls.
Mobile Homes
Housing remains a critical issue for many people. The main goal of these refugee homes is to be quickly built using fewer resources. However, it's not just the underprivileged who may benefit from homes that can be swiftly assembled and even relocated if necessary. Professor Jeff Wilson from Texas came up with a concept for apartments that could be "detachable" and moved to a new location. This idea struck him during his time living in a dumpster. Jeff Wilson wasn't homeless, but his search for innovative ideas led him to take drastic measures.
Temperature Sticker
Parents always worry about their children. That's why each year brings new innovations aimed at comforting adults and ensuring the safety of their little ones. For instance, a new wristband phone has been invented, allowing parents to stay connected with their child at all times, without the fear of them losing a regular mobile device. However, nothing causes more concern for parents than when their kids are sick.
Omni-Directional Wheels
In big cities across Europe, finding a parking spot can be a major headache. Many inexperienced drivers fear squeezing into tight spaces between parked cars, worried about causing damage. However, Canadian driver William Liddiard has revolutionized the game with his innovative Liddiard Wheels. Over 8 years and $60,000 investment, Liddiard created a wheel that, when turning a certain way, allows a vehicle to perform any maneuver in a limited space. No more stressing about parallel parking – Liddiard Wheels have got you covered!
Creating Artificial Clouds
Many aspiring entrepreneurs wonder what kinds of ideas investors are more likely to fund. The key lies in presenting your concept effectively and ensuring it is both captivating and relevant. People are likely to invest in anything that meets these criteria. For example, no one is interested in buying sunglasses when it rains six out of seven days a week, but umbrellas will sell like hotcakes. Conversely, in hot climates, people are willing to pay top dollar for shade.
Ping Pong Practice Table
Modern companies prioritize creating comfortable office spaces. Many now incorporate special rooms for table tennis or relaxation to help employees destress and recharge. Given that people spend over half their day at work, fostering a stress-free environment is crucial for maximizing productivity.
Swanluv - Wedding Agency Startup
Is it possible to make money from a failed marriage? The founders of the American wedding website SwanLuv certainly believe so. This unique startup demonstrates that money can be made from any idea, no matter how unconventional or seemingly uninteresting it may initially seem. SwanLuv stands out as a truly innovative and one-of-a-kind platform in the world of weddings. So, could turning heartbreak into financial gain be the next big trend in the wedding industry?
China Struggles to Combat Traffic Jams
In May 2016, at the International Exhibition in Beijing, the Transit Elevated Bus (TEB) was unveiled to the world. This innovative vehicle, designed by Chinese engineers, aims to tackle the issue of urban congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road. Similar concepts had been proposed six years prior, but failed to attract investors. The introduction of the TEB represents a significant advancement in urban transportation solutions. Recently, there has also been a buzz around a new hydrogen-powered tram. It seems like the era of futuristic transport is upon us!
Printed Hair
Many people worldwide face the struggle of hair loss, for which a definitive cure remains elusive. As a result, individuals often turn to wigs and hairpieces for a solution. However, Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories, a European-based company from Italy, has taken innovative steps to address this issue. They have developed a cutting-edge technology known as CNC, which enables the creation of lifelike 3D hair that is virtually indistinguishable from natural hair.
Charging Station Table
In today's world, it’s no secret that we are heavily dependent on our gadgets. From smartphones and tablets to e-readers, these devices consume a significant amount of energy daily to cater to our needs. With the constant influx of new gadgets, the methods for keeping them charged have evolved as well. We've explored various types of chargers in the past, including wireless charging solutions. Now, let's delve into Caventou's latest innovation – the Current Table. This cutting-edge table seamlessly integrates a working surface with a solar panel, offering a fresh take on furniture design and eco-friendly charging solutions for our tech-driven lives.
EHang 184 - The Driverless Flying Taxi
Despite its dull name, the Ehang 184 is an impressive large quadcopter designed to transport passengers. Developed by the Chinese company Ehang, this aircraft made its debut in Las Vegas. The need for a unique mode of transportation arose from the congested highways in major cities in China and the United States. The Ehang 184 swiftly carries its passenger to their destination.
Geoorbital Motorized Wheel
The innovative GeoOrbital wheel is a game-changer for bicycles, transforming an ordinary bike into an electric one by simply replacing the front wheel. This motorized wheel can be easily installed on any type of bike, no matter how unique, with the only limitation being wheel diameter. Available in two sizes – 26 and 28-29 inches, the GeoOrbital wheel ensures an effortless and electrifying ride on any bike.
The Flying Motorcycle: When Fantasy Became Reality
The HoverBike, a flying motorcycle developed by Aerofex, can soar to heights of up to three meters. While not yet in mass production, several units have been showcased. For a deposit of $5,000, enthusiasts can reserve their very own hoverbike. Manufacturers project a final price tag of around $85,000. The mass production of these futuristic vehicles is slated for 2017.
Folding Cargo Containers
Semi-processed oversized cargoes and heavy equipment can be efficiently transported using collapsible containers. While traditional designs have been in use for a long time, newer innovative solutions are gaining popularity. Collapsible containers offer flexibility in transportation methods, adapting to the unique properties and characteristics of the cargo being transported.
Business Idea: Tire Recycling and Creating Crumb Rubber Coating
Surprisingly, most old tires are not recycled despite the high value of the materials. Many developing countries tend to burn or bury them with other household waste, worsening environmental issues. In contrast, European countries and Japan are focused on maximizing the benefits of recycling. We have covered tire recycling before, but now we introduce a fresh perspective on the matter.
Pizza Delivery Robot
Everyone has been to a pizzeria at least once. In fact, pizza delivery has become an essential part of life for anyone living in a bustling city. It saves the day for a large group during a party frenzy and for individuals who simply don't have the time to cook.
John Bender: The Man Behind the Gas Station Ranch
Farming in a big city may sound like a crazy idea, but John Bender didn't see it that way. As he strolled past a humble piece of land at the crossroads of two major highways, he was struck by the idea of creating a little slice of the past in the midst of towering skyscrapers. After purchasing the land, John established a ranch right in the heart of the urban jungle. Realizing that turning a profit from farming would take time, he cleverly set up a gas station on a prime spot of the property to generate the main revenue stream.
Vladimir Grigoriev and the Shoe Manufacturing Industry
Many times, talent is not bound by formal education. Vladimir Grigoriev spent a long time working in advertising after obtaining a degree in economics when he was young. However, ever since he was a child watching his mother, who was a shoe designer at a footwear factory, he dreamed of custom tailoring. Eventually, a friend asked him to make a pair of shoes. Vladimir brainstormed his own designs and aimed to create something unique. When he didn't achieve the desired outcome, he put the idea on the back burner.
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