Startups Beyond IT
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.
Paul Potato – The World’s First Professional Potato Tower
The trend for consuming eco-friendly and home-grown products is on the rise, but growing your own food can be a challenge, especially for those with limited space and time. Enter Paul Potato—the revolutionary potato tower by Austria's Gusta Garden, designed to make potato farming accessible and efficient for small households and beyond.
MUtable 2.0: The Ultimate All-in-One Kids’ Play Table
The Italian company Mukako has taken the world of children’s toys to the next level with MUtable 2.0—a multifunctional play and learning table. Funded on Kickstarter, it raised over €500,000 in just weeks, proving its appeal to parents worldwide. Discover why this innovative table is a game-changer for kids aged 1 to 8.
Amazon Bestseller: Sugru Moldable Glue – The Flexible Fix for Any Project
Meet Sugru Moldable Glue, an Amazon bestseller and "Amazon's Choice" product that has revolutionized the way we approach repairs and DIY projects. Unlike traditional adhesives, Sugru is a flexible, moldable material that hardens into durable plastic, offering unmatched versatility. From fixing broken items to creating custom components, Sugru is perfect for crafting, household repairs, and creative projects. Waterproof, heat-resistant, and easy to use, it’s an essential tool for professionals, hobbyists, and everyday users alike. Discover why this innovative adhesive is a favorite among Amazon shoppers!
Amazon Bestseller: Pourty Easy-to-Pour Potty – A Practical Innovation for P...
Discover the Pourty Easy-to-Pour Potty, a revolutionary yet simple solution for parents everywhere. Designed by British father John Ratboone, this potty features an easy-pour channel, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. Safe, durable, and available in multiple colors, it’s a practical choice for boys and girls alike. No wonder it’s a best-seller on Amazon!
Sand-Free Beach Towel: A Revolutionary Invention by Baz Brown
Baz Brown, an Australian engineer and avid surfer, turned a casual beach visit into an unexpected innovation. After witnessing a sandy mishap on the shore, Baz had an idea: why not create a towel that repels sand, dirt, and moisture? This idea led to the creation of the Sandusa beach towel, a game-changer for beachgoers worldwide.
Inside-Out Toaster: Reinventing a Kitchen Essential
"Perfection knows no bounds!" Perhaps this timeless saying inspired Indian designer Isheen Arora to rethink one of the simplest and seemingly flawless kitchen appliances—the toaster. Instead of popping toast upward, he proposed a more practical approach: dropping it downward. Thus, the Drop Toaster was born.
Alexander Horondi: From Homeless to Successful Designer
At just 26 years old, Alexander Horondi, the owner of the Horondi brand specializing in bags and backpacks, has lived an extraordinary life. Nine years ago, Alexander was a homeless 17-year-old with a two-year suspended sentence for theft and contemplating suicide. Against all odds, he found the strength to change his life and become an inspiration to others.
Strawbees: Elevating the Building Toy Experience
Since we were kids, we've always associated building sets with putting together blocks and bricks to make tiny buildings. But hold on - Strawbees has come along to shake things up! This cutting-edge construction kit features special connectors that enable you to link plastic drinking straws in the most creative ways imaginable. There are no limits to your creativity as you mix and match these straws and connectors, bending, cutting, and twisting them however you like. Your imagination is the only boundary to the amazing end results you can achieve with Strawbees!
WeWork: More Than Just a Workspace
The traditional office work model that we all know and are used to has officially become a thing of the past. These bold words come from Gary Mendel, one of the founders of Yopine and a satisfied member of the WeWork community.
The Sixth Finger: Science Fiction or Useful Invention?
Since ancient times, human civilization has embarked on a technological journey, shaping and molding the world around us to meet the demands of each era. According to many science fiction writers, the next significant leap in our evolution will occur when we learn to enhance not just the natural environment and objects but also ourselves. It seems that some of these theories are beginning to bear fruit! How else can we explain the emergence of a truly remarkable invention like The Third Thumb?
Brandless: An Online Supermarket Without Brand-Name Products
For those who prioritize product quality over flashy labels or brand names when making a purchase, there's exciting news about a startup recently launched in San Francisco. If you value top-notch goods and aren't swayed by marketing gimmicks, this development is right up your alley.
Robot Gardener
The American company Franklin Robotics is gaining fame for creating household robots like the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner. Now, they're offering a new helper for gardeners. Introducing Tertill – a robot designed to weed gardens and keep them tidy!
Roof Hammock: Relax Wherever You Like!
How often do you head into the great outdoors and spend the night under the stars? Here's something that might just inspire you to do it more often – the innovative RoofNest hammock by TrailNest! Picture this: a folding hammock that you can set up... right on the roof of your car! At first glance, it may seem a bit quirky, but think about it – when you're out in nature, it's not always easy to find a spot to hang a hammock, especially if there are no trees around. That's where this incredibly convenient device comes in handy for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the wilderness.
SmartDuvet Breeze - Climate Control in Bed!
Many couples can relate to the struggle of one partner always feeling too cold under the covers while the other one is too hot. The Canadian startup SmartDuvet aims to tackle this age-old dilemma with its innovative product. SmartDuvet offers a climate-controlled bed system that allows you to set the temperature according to your preferences. What's more, after your rest is over, the system can even make the bed by itself, settling another long-standing debate between loved ones!
Fresh Strawberries All Year Round!
Strawberries belong to those fruits with a very short season. During this time, you can buy them at a very reasonable price - around $1 per kilogram. However, by the end of summer and the start of fall, their price skyrockets, reaching a tenfold increase in winter. Naturally, not everyone can afford them at that point, and buying them regularly under such circumstances is out of the question.
Stan - Innovation in Parking
Parking issues in big cities are becoming more pressing. The number of cars is rapidly increasing, creating a need for adequate parking space and efficient management. This is why many developers are focusing on automating parking facilities. An innovative solution in this arena is the Stan robot, designed by Stanley Robotics. Through automation, Stan aims to revolutionize the parking experience by providing convenience and seamless operations.
Introducing Quell: A New Approach to Pain Relief
The issue of helping people suffering from pain is highly relevant. While existing medical products can provide relief, they may also impact other parts of the body and not always be effective. Additionally, it may not always be feasible to take painkillers, especially during sleep. Addressing this problem, NeuroMetrix has developed a device called Quell.
Mollusk Tent
Innovations and cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing various aspects of our lives, including leisure and entertainment. One prime example of this is the startup founded by Roy Hartwell, who introduced the perfect tent called Mollusc.
LOOPWHEELS - Innovative Bike Wheels
When riding a bicycle, the suspension plays a crucial role. It affects the comfort of the ride and even the rider's health. Constant jolting can have a very negative impact on the spine and may lead to herniated discs or slipped discs. Modern bicycles come equipped with a suspension system that significantly smooths out the ride, but Sam Pierce, the owner of Jelly Products, has taken it a step further. He has managed to "soften" the bicycle wheel.
"Sunny" Gadgets for Travelers
Modern-day travelers are inseparable from their gadgets: smartphones, tablets, cameras. Capturing memories with photos and videos while staying connected with friends and family has become a travel essential. However, the nagging issue remains - the batteries of these devices can run out, leaving travelers stranded without a charging outlet nearby. To tackle this dilemma, mobile device developers have turned to harnessing solar power. Let's explore the most cutting-edge devices in this realm.
Plazmatic: Gasoline-Free Lighter Alternative
Matthew Stohl is a typical American working as a sheet metal worker. However, from a young age, he was drawn to inventing. He enjoyed dismantling things to understand how they worked and then attempting to improve them. Yet, his ultimate dream was to create something fresh and original. And then, inspiration struck.
Solpad: Powering Up with the Sun
The use of solar energy has become commonplace, not only in large-scale industries but also in households across Europe and America. Homeowners can purchase solar panels and storage units to harness this eco-friendly power source. However, a common issue is the need to buy multiple devices to set up a complete solar system. This challenge has been addressed by the innovative startup Solpad, offering a solution for convenient and efficient solar energy utilization in homes.
Quadski - Next-Generation Amphibious Adventure
It's no longer surprising to see a vehicle that can travel on both land and water. Engineers have long mastered the art of combining these capabilities. However, they faced a common problem - emphasizing only one function. Either the vehicle excelled at driving but struggled in the water, or vice versa.
FoldiMate - Laundry Folding Machine
Every homemaker's dream is to toss the laundry in the wash and come back to find it washed, ironed, and neatly folded. Inspired by this concept, the creators of the FoldiMate startup were driven to introduce their innovative concept with the same name.
Welt Smart Belt
Keeping tabs on our health has never been easier. Today, monitoring our well-being is as simple as a smart belt buckle. Enter the innovative team at WeltCorp, who have revamped the traditional belt by adding a dash of intelligence and the ability to sync with your smartphone. This all-in-one smart belt is a game-changer, a modern twist on a classic accessory that brings health monitoring right to your fingertips.
LineX Protective Coating
Every homeowner strives to preserve their assets for as long as possible, especially if they hold significant value. This applies to everything: a car, a house, equipment. But how can one achieve this when everything is constantly exposed to factors that can damage our valuable possessions? The solution is simple - all these items need to be protected with a specialized coating.
HexHog - Off-Road Vehicle for People with Disabilities
Scientific and technological advancements are breaking new ground for individuals with disabilities across the globe. The emergence of increasingly sophisticated mechanisms and devices is empowering these individuals to lead more fulfilling lives. One such groundbreaking project is the concept developed by British designer Sion Pierce called HexHog.
Fixate Gel Pads - The Ultimate Car Holder
Imagine this scenario: you're cruising in your car when your phone rings. You pick it up, answer the call, and place it on the dashboard, only to have it tumble off in the end. Or picture your co-passenger enjoying a cup of coffee, but there's no stable surface to place the cup on, causing everything to spill due to the bumps and shakes. Sound familiar? It's those little everyday struggles that can test our patience and sense of balance on the go.
Authenticity Verification of Medications in Just One Minute
Selling pharmaceuticals can be an incredibly lucrative venture, given that at some point, everyone will likely need to use medication. Unfortunately, this high demand also fuels the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in the market. Even in the most advanced Western countries, the prevalence of these counterfeit medications hovers around 8%, while in some former Soviet countries, it skyrockets to a staggering 40%.
Electrically Heated Clothing: How to Stay Warm Even in the Coldest Winter
When it comes to staying warm in the winter, the solution seems simple: just dress more warmly. However, extreme cold can penetrate even the coziest outerwear, and layering up underneath isn't always practical. Enter Ravean, a company offering an innovative solution to this age-old problem - heated clothing. They have recently released jackets and hoodies priced at $130 and $120, respectively. Let's explore just how effective this alternative approach can be at keeping you toasty when the temperature drops.