The top May 2016 start-up ideas experiment across a wide range of industries, including concepts for dedicated co-working spaces inside retail environments, lighting systems powered by bacteria and bicycles that are produced entirely by robots.
One of the most prevalent themes in many of these new start-ups is that products and services are being introduced to carry out a hyper-specific purpose. For instance, HyreCar provides people without cars the chance to rent vehicles in order to become a ridesharing driver, while Optinno Mobitech launched an app to identify the chances a phone call will be dropped.
In order to promote the spread of new concepts that may turn into new ventures, there are services like UberPITCH and OpenInvest that change the traditional dynamic between an investor and someone with a bright idea.
Top 65 Start-Up Innovations in May
65
Self-Scanning Shopping Apps
QueueHop Lets You Skip the Line With Smartphone Self-Service Checkout
64
Customizable E-Textile Startups
This Wearable Platform Incorporates Electronics Into Clothes
63
Bacteria-Powered Lighting
Glowee Uses Bioluminescent Bacteria as a Sustainable Source of Light
62
Meditation-Focused Offices
The Headspace Headquarters is Mindful of Employees Overall Well-Being
61
Rooftop Spirulina Farms
This Startup is Growing Edible Algae on Top of a Bangkok Hotel
60
Robot-Produced Bicycles
The Mokumono Bike is Quick and Inexpensive to Produce
59
Solar Cell-Embedded Roads
'Solmove' is Designing a Flexible Glass Carpet Filled with Solar Cells
58
Automated Business Matchmaking Services
Swaaap.com's Platform Connects Businesses & Entrepreneurs
57
Tech Maker Subscription Boxes
'Creation Crate' Offers a Tech Education Subscription Service
56
Streamlined Design Platforms
Havenly Lets You Hire Interior Designers For Low Prices
55
Eco-Friendly Feminine Products
This Company Sells Organic Pads, Tampons and Panty Liners
54
Hispanic Beverage Clubs
Nuestro Natural's Consumer Club Provides Inexpensive Natural Beverages
53
Boho-Glam Design Shops
Vintage Sparkle Brings Vintage Bohemian Decor to Nashville Residents
52
Cirtusy Vodka Cans
Social Lite Vodka in a Can is a Guilt-Free Sugarless Health-Conscious Beverage
51
Blood Bank Delivery Drones
This Company is Using Drones to Deliver Blood to Rural Parts of Rwanda
50
Custom Coffee Delivery Services
'DOERS.coffee' Offers Custom Roasted Coffee Beans
49
Community-Focused Boutiques
The 'House Of' Boutique Promotes Tennessee Fashion Designers
48
Passwordless Security Software
Cyber Security Platform Sonikpass Enhances the User Experience
47
Content Contest Apps
Social Media Gaming Platform Wyrd Lets Users Vote for Creators' Posts
46
Integrated Indie Bookstores
The Atomic Nashville Store Sells Books, Artworks and Music
45
Convenient Composting Services
Compost Nashville Picks Up Residential and Commercial Compost
44
P2P Parcel Pickup Services
eNeighbr is a NYC Platform Helping Indivduals Receive Their Mail
43
In-Store Co-Working Stations
Staples is Introducing Office Sharing Within Its Retail Locations
42
Carbon-Reducing Crowdfunding Platforms
This Climate Change Site Helps You Donate to Eco Campaigns
41
Literal Fridge-Stocking Services
This Grocery Delivery Service Includes Literal In-Fridge Stocking
40
IoT Service Providers
Rogers Communications Provides IoT Infrastructure Solutions for Companies
39
On-Demand Detailing Services
The Envi App Allows Users to Request a Water-Free Car Wash Anytime
38
Design Review Platforms
Hurated is Like a Search Engine for Design Products Curated by Tastemakers
37
Restaurant-Filling Taxi Services
The 'Cake.af' Service Offers Free Rides to Empty Restaurants
36
Martian Housing Projects
RedWorks Aims to Use Martian Soil to Create Buildings on the Red Planet
35
Social Calendar Apps
Events App Teplr Turns Your Daily Activities Into a Social Experience
34
Rapid-Capture Cameras
This Adventure Camera Lets You Capture Video Scenes Instantly
33
Aggregated Job Platforms
'BetterWage' is an All-In-One Job Search Platform
32
Gas Delivery Apps
The Yoshi App Lets You Refuel Your Vehicle at Home Or Work
31
Crowdsourced Food Delivery Apps
The Foodida App Allows Anyone to Execute Fast Food Deliveries
30
Accurate Analog Speedometers
The Omata One Speedometer Device Uses GPS Technology
29
Pop-Up Lunch Services
'Sifted' Delivers Pop-Up Dining Services To Your Office
28
App-Focused TV Shows
The New Apple Show Will Feature Content on Apps and Developers
27
Ridesharing Car Rentals
'HyreCar' Helps People Without a Car Rent One to Drive for Uber and Lyft
26
Cabinet-Shaped Home Robots
This Start-Up is Making a Jetsons-Style Smart Home Robot
25
Ethical Investing Tools
The OpenInvest Tool Helps Consumers Make Socially Responsible Investments
24
Joy-Spreading Parcel Services
Positivity Pack Allows You To Send an Activity-Packed Happiness Kit
23
UV Smartphone Cleaners
AtomCleanse is a Phone Cleaner Device That Uses Sterilizing UV Light
22
On-Demand Repair Services
'GoBumpr' is a Vehicle Repair Service for Motorbikes and Cars
21
Barista-Locating Apps
Coffee Shot Connects Users to an At Home Barista for a Custom Cup of Coffee
20
Neighbor-Assigned Delivery Services
The eNeighbor App Lets Users Receive Other Neighbor's Packages
19
Freelance Writing Portals
New Online Platform Text-Writers Lets Companies Hire Freelance Writers
18
Baseball Stadium Fountain Drinks
This Baseball Stadium Now Sells Egg Creams During Games
17
Versatile MIDI Controllers
The Dualo MIDI Controller is Also a Sequencer and Synthesizer
16
Venture Capitalist Taxi Rides
UberPITCH Lets Entrepreneurs Pitch Potential Investors
15
Trailblazing Automotive Startups
Jaguar's InMotion Startup Will Focus On Apps and Connectivity
14
Motorcycle License Apps
This App Lets Users Store All Motorbike-Related Documents In One Place
13
Community Down Payment Programs
Landed Helps with Crowdfunding Real Estate Down Payments
12
Shift Planning Apps
Planday Helps Businesses Manage Their Workforce
11
Alternative Student Lending Services
'Climb Credit' is Working to Change the Student Lending Model
10
Automated Brokering Services
This Digital Mortgage Broking Services Empowers Homebuyers
9
Gourmet Italian Meal Kits
The 'Gourmio' Food Delivery Service is Dedicated to Italian Cuisine
8
Interactive Karaoke Apps
The Karaoq App Brings Royalties, Ratings and Sponsorships to Karaoke
7
Universal TV Services
Molotov Competes with Apple TV on a Whole Other Level
6
Minority Investment Funds
The Focus Fund Help Startups Not Run by White Men in Big Cities
5
Dropped Call-Alerting Apps
The smartbro Range App Alerts Telecom Customers Of Possible Call Drops
4
Bill Negotiation Services
BillFixers Negotiates Cable and Internet Bills On Consumers' Behalf
3
Pasteurized Probiotic Cheeses
This Probiotic Cheese Can Support Healthy Digestion
2
Sauce-Paired Fish Meals
LoveTheWild Offers Frozen Fish With Sauces and Cooking Instructions
1
Automated Classical Music Platforms
Dart Music Enables Distribution of Independent Classical Music
Related Ideas
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Hyper-Personalized AI Health Coaches
Thrive Global & OpenAI Startup Fund Deliver Thrive AI Health
AI Web3 Smartphones
Up Mobile Redefines the Mobile Experience with Integrated AI & Blockchain Tech
Multi-Person Scooter Designs
The Conceptual 'Hop' Scooter Platform Imagines a New Commuter Option
Disruptive AI-Finance Chatbots
Origin Financial Wins Big with AI Chatbot for Everyday Finance
AI-Powered Investment Strategies
Prospero.ai Delivers Sophisticated Investment Strategies
AI Resource Hubs
Must Have AI Helps Discover Top AI Tools for Marketing, Productivity & More
AI-Powered Healthcare Pods
CarePods are the World's First Artificial Intelligence Doctor's Offices
Sustainable Multi-Person Scooters
Of My Imagination Designs the Hop Vehicle for Urban Spaces
AI-Powered Shopping Experiences
SOOT Introduced Moodboard-Inspired Shopping
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
AI-Powered Travel Assistants
Instahop Creates Personalized Digital Itineraries
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Gig Economy Transformations
Uber Launches AI Data Labeling Division with Global Workforce
AI-Powered Gut Health Companions
Ustwo Unveils Breakthrough Digital Coaching App Sproutiful
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
AI Customer Service Platforms
Intercom for Startups Offers AI Customer Service at a 90% Discount
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Autonomous Robotaxi Services
Uber and WeRide Partnered for a Robotaxi Service in Abu Dhabi
Innovative Home Buying Platforms
Keypr Aims to Revolutionize the Canadian Real Estate Market
AI-Powered Review Insights
Yelp Adds New AI Features for Restaurant-Goers and Owners
Hyper-Personalized AI Campaigns
Tesco's Stronger Starts Uses AI to Recognize Customers by Name
Generative AI Healthcare Solutions
Light-It Group Debuts a New Chapter — Enlighten Ventures
Music-Inspired Fashion Ventures
Upstream is the First Fashion Streaming Service Powered by Music
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Advanced Tech Component Designs
MICROIP Debuts an Advanced IC Design and an AI IoT Platform
Web3 Fashion Show Initiatives
Runway Magazine Launches Re-Inventing the Runway
Mindful Smartphone Usage Apps
The 'Intenty' App Prompts Users to Rethink How They Use Their Phone
AI-Powered Digital Employees
Product Genius Transforms How Small Businesses Connect with Customers
AI-Powered Digital Transformation Services
InfiniteIQ Consulting Has Redesigned Its Website
Robot-Enabled Locker Deliveries
Ottobot Lockers Brings a Delivery Innovation to CES 2024
Ride-Hailing App Expansions
Uber and Turo Partner to Offer Vehicle Rentals to Uber Rent
Autonomous QSR Meal Deliveries
Serve Robotics Will Star Delivering Shake Shack Uber Eats in LA
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Healthcare Innovation-Enhancing Platforms
Chiesi Launches 'The Impulse' for Healthcare Innovations
Caregiver-Supporting Mobile Solutions
Uber Health Has Introduced Uber Caregiver
Eco-Friendly Pet Programs
Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures Launch a Sustainable Pet Food Program
Comprehensive Health Care Suites
Bright Sits on the Intersection of Technology and Health
Neighborly Contracting Apps
Pigybak Ride Helps Neighbors Support Neighbors with Home Projects
Idea Validating Platforms
HeadStarter Helps Entrepreneurs Discover If Their Idea Exists
Startup Networking Platforms
Foundity Connects Founders with Peers, Resources, and AI Tools
Raw Thought Organization Apps
The 'Memosa' App Turns Ideas and Rambling into Organized Text
AI-Powered Wellness Platforms
Gabit is a New AI Fitness and Skincare Platform for Consumers
AI-Powered Content Creation Tools
Notega is a Solution for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles
Mercedes Benz Presents a Look at the Vision iMobility
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Tech-Enhanced Beauty Marketplaces
Fresha Plans to Boost Machine Learning and AI Robotics Abilities
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
Efficiency-Focused AI Tools
Arcane Has Launched a New AI App Bundle for Start-Ups
AI-Enabled Product Creation
Off/Script Launches an App to Create and Buy AI-Designed Products
Real Estate Recommendation Platforms
KeyCrew Debuts a Real Estate Services Recommendation Platform
AI Startup Pitch Assistants
PitchBob.io Helps Entrepreneurs Refine and Hone Their Pitches
AI-Powered Fundraising Platforms
Socap.ai Simplifies Startup Fundraising and Expands Networks
Instant Inspirational Quotes
Quotz Offers Quick Curated Inspirational Quotes for Businesses
Content Ideation Tools
The Content Ideas Generator Creates 12 Ideas in Seconds
Indoor Houseplant Care Technology
SmartyPlants Debuts an Innovative Smart Sensor on Kickstarter
Flying Umbrella Prototypes
This Hands-Free Device Hovers Above You to Protect From the Rain
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Gen Z Motivational Apps
The Etherea App is Driven by Motivators and Sustainable Actions
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Petite Solar-Powered EVs
The 'Buggy' is a Micro Vehicle That Offers Comfortably Compact Motoring
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Apparel Brand Industry Expansions
'Reebok' is Expanding to Enter the Micro-Mobility Space
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Car Transfer Service Apps
Andersen Collaborated with a Ride-Sharing Provider on This New Product
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
AI-Powered Beverage Dispensers
Pubinno Smart Tap Provides Perfect Quality for Draft Beer Systems
Idea-Testing Startup Tools
Startup Idea Tester Streamlines the Early Stages of a Business
Idea Validation Tools
'Validator' Researches Micro SaaS Ideas with Competitor Analysis
Problem-Based Website Ideas
Painkiller Ideas Offers a Database of Real Consumer Problems
Creator Economy Tool Directories
Creator Economy Tools Offer Over 1,000 Resources
AI-Powered Business Discoveries
Yelp Unveils a New AI Assistant and 'Project Ideas' Feature
AI-Powered Karaoke Apps
Mayk Launches an AI Karaoke Product Called popstarz.ai
Online Idea-Sharing Platforms
Collaborate, Share, and Discover Projects with Oasis of Ideas
Investment Comparison Platforms
'Upside Invest' Helps Users Compare Their Progress with Others
AI-Powered Wellness Delivery Services
'Localposh' Anticipates Products and Services for You
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Accesible Autonomous Transportation Services
The 'Nubit' Autonomous Mobility Service is Modular
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Electric Cargo Bike-Sharing Programs
CargoB Launched in Boston as USA's First Cargo Bikeshare
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Business Idea Keyword Checker
Build the Keyword Helps Find Keyword for Optimal Traffic
AI Business Assistants
FikraHub Turns Ideas into Businesses with AI-Driven Tools for Entrepreneurs
AI-Driven Business Transformations
'Unlock the Power of AI' Helps Businesses Integrate AI
Startup Networking Platforms
Connect with Startups, Jobs, and Collaborators with Next Play
Personal Efficiency Optimizers
8020.in Everything Maximizes Results by Focusing on the Key 20%
Semi-Outdoor Foldable Wheelchairs
Robooter Brought Mobility Innovations Like X40 to CES 2024
Startup-Friendly Data Interpreters
Typper BI Helps Businesses Interpret Their Data
AI-Powered Marketing Strategies
The M1 Marketing Strategy Generator Will Build a Strategy
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
AI-Powered Search Engines
Find AI Uses Natural Language to Quickly Discover Companies and Talent
AI Business Consultants
15-Minute Business Plans Helps Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Sustainable E-Bike Deliveries
Deliveroo UAE Has Integrated Electric Bikes Into its Delivery Fleet
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
AI-Boosted Enterprise Tools
The 'Innovation Assistant' Assists Ideation and Implementation
India-Based Investment Platforms
KoTak Mutual Fund Launches a Technology Fund for Investors
AI-Powered Influencer Searches
Vidovo Launches a Influencer Discovery Feature with AI Capabilities
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
AI Elevator Pitch Generators
Elevator Pitch Uses AI to Create Personalized Entrepreneurial Pitches
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Career Platform AI Features
LinkedIn Introduces a Slew of AI-Powered Enhancements
AI-Powered Product Development
UserTesting Debuts the Feedback Engine and New AI-Powered Features
Hospitality Neighborly Initiatives
Hotel Indigo Launches Neighborly Borrowing Program
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
AI-Enhanced Job Searching Apps
Simplify Leverages AI to Match Candidates with Suitable Positions
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Flexible User-Centric Rideshares
Careem Introduces Flexi Rides to Bolster its Market Presence
Preemptive Startup Evaluations
Vet My Idea Helps Startups Survive with AI Assessments and Ideas
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
Self-Service Event Promotions
Industry Dive Adds Self-Service Offerings to Include Event Promotion
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
Startup Promotion Platforms
Spacehunt Offers an Open-Source Directory to Like-Minded People
AI-Backed Sustainability Metrics
ESGo Unveils its New AI-Powered Sustainability Report Maker
Hacker News Insights
Hacker Search Bridges the Gap Between Anecdotal Evidence and Expert Knowledge
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Product-Validating AI Tools
AskBetter Helps Entrepreneurs Test Out Ideas and Business Plans
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Human-First Incubators
The With Life Cultivator Grow Organizations with a People-Centered Approach
AI-Driven Post-Meeting Tools
Retroideas.ai Suggests Retrospective Topics to Boost Meetings
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Entrepreneur-Specific Global Hubs
Endeavor Has Launched a New Global Hub in London
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Belize-Based Sustainable Transportation
Belize City to Launch the Eco-Friendly eRIDE Taxi Pilot
Professional Resource Hubs
Noulej Offers Expert-Led Playbooks to Overcome Startup Growing Pains
In-Neighbourhood Service Maps
TROT KIT Helps Nomads Find Services Where They Are
Digital Entrepreneur Directories
WebKits Aggregates Boilerplate Templates Across Tech Stacks