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
Hyper-Personalized AI Health Coaches
Thrive Global & OpenAI Startup Fund Deliver Thrive AI Health
AI-Powered Creative Marketing Tools
RYA x Qrious Insight Partner for Ad Campaign Generation
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
AI-Powered Shopping Experiences
SOOT Introduced Moodboard-Inspired Shopping
AI-Backed Sneaker Design Platforms
Nike Introduces the AIRImagination Platform of Design
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
Business-Focused Environmental Responsibility Tools
WildSight Targets Corporate Leaders
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
Terrain-Combating Electric Bikes
Segway Introduces the Xyber with Intelligent Systems
Sustainable Multi-Person Scooters
Of My Imagination Designs the Hop Vehicle for Urban Spaces
Content Marketing Hubs
Arcane Helps Startups Transform Insights into Impactful Content
Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts
Toyota Introduces the Unique E-Collection of Products
Unique AI Design Concepts
Movr Envisions a Rideable Ai-Powered Personal Assistant.
Influencer Marketing Platforms
Aspire Introduced its 'YouTube Shorts Integration'
AI Accelerator Programs
Telnyx Aims to Support Startups and Emerging Businesses
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
AI-Assisted Business Ads
Google Workspace's 50 States, 50 Stories Shares Small Businesses Using AI
AI-Powered Travel Assistants
Instahop Creates Personalized Digital Itineraries
Gig Economy Transformations
Uber Launches AI Data Labeling Division with Global Workforce
AI-Powered Innovation Platforms
Mintel Spark Helps Brands with Concept Generation
AI-Powered Pickup Systems
Pickpad is a Modular Solution Powered by Sensors & Machine Learning
AI-Powered Gut Health Companions
Ustwo Unveils Breakthrough Digital Coaching App Sproutiful
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
AI Customer Service Platforms
Intercom for Startups Offers AI Customer Service at a 90% Discount
Innovative Home Buying Platforms
Keypr Aims to Revolutionize the Canadian Real Estate Market
Dating-Style Bar Discovery Platforms
Heineken® Debuts an Innovative Digital Platform — Bar Dating
Music-Inspired Fashion Ventures
Upstream is the First Fashion Streaming Service Powered by Music
Generative AI Healthcare Solutions
Light-It Group Debuts a New Chapter — Enlighten Ventures
Startup Idea Generators
Idea Forge Helps You Discover, Generate, and Assess Startup Ideas
AI-Powered Review Insights
Yelp Adds New AI Features for Restaurant-Goers and Owners
Creator Economy-Focused Marketplaces
Teespring Marketplace Relaunches Under Parent Company Amaze
AI-Powered Digital Employees
Product Genius Transforms How Small Businesses Connect with Customers
AI-Powered Digital Transformation Services
InfiniteIQ Consulting Has Redesigned Its Website
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
Healthcare Innovation-Enhancing Platforms
Chiesi Launches 'The Impulse' for Healthcare Innovations
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
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
Empowering Startup Programs
Siemens Has Unveiled the 'Siemens for Startups' Program at CES 2025
Mindful Smartphone Usage Apps
The 'Intenty' App Prompts Users to Rethink How They Use Their Phone
AI Fundraising Assistants
Streamline Startup Fundraising With ORCA Co-Pilot’s AI-Driven Support
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
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Tech-Enhanced Beauty Marketplaces
Fresha Plans to Boost Machine Learning and AI Robotics Abilities
Business Founder Newsletters
The Solo Founder Newsletter Compiles the Top News and Inspiration
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
AI-Powered Selling Tools
OnBuy is Using Artificial Intelligence to Power its Innovations in 2025
AI Startup Showcases
Paddle AI Launchpad Showcase is Scaling AI Startups Into Success
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
CPG Goods-Focused Initiatives
Ignite20 Launches CPG VC Fund & Accelerator Program
Specialized Electric Two-Wheeler Ecosystems
Microchip Technology Aims to Accelerate Innovation
Urban Climate Solutions
Climate Tech Cities Connects Climate Professionals with Resources & Events
Efficiency-Focused AI Tools
Arcane Has Launched a New AI App Bundle for Start-Ups
Advanced Tech Component Designs
MICROIP Debuts an Advanced IC Design and an AI IoT Platform
Real Estate Recommendation Platforms
KeyCrew Debuts a Real Estate Services Recommendation Platform
Startup Networking Platforms
Foundity Connects Founders with Peers, Resources, and AI Tools
AI-Powered Fundraising Platforms
Socap.ai Simplifies Startup Fundraising and Expands Networks
Online Idea-Sharing Platforms
Collaborate, Share, and Discover Projects with Oasis of Ideas
Expanded Technology Marketplaces
Best Buy Has Plans to Launch a New Third-Party Marketplace
Indoor Houseplant Care Technology
SmartyPlants Debuts an Innovative Smart Sensor on Kickstarter
Small Business Support Initiatives
Mastercard Awards Ten Female Entrepreneurs with Grants
Content Idea Generators
Spin The Wheel and Capture Content Ideas Based on Your Online Presence
AI Discovery Hubs
AI Tool Trek Explores AI Tools and Stay Updated on AI Trends
Collaborative Vehicle Concepts
Kia Corporation and LG Electronics Debut Mobility Solutions
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
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
AI-Powered Gaming Investment Platforms
Slingshot Debuts a Novel Investing Model for Individuals
Content Ideation Tools
The Content Ideas Generator Creates 12 Ideas in Seconds
Blockchain-Focused Developer Tools
Okto's Testnet Platform Aims at Efficiency and Simplicity
Second-Hand Tech Deliveries
CeX and Just Eat Takeaway.com Will Deliver Pre-Owned Gaming Products
AI-Powered Business Discoveries
Yelp Unveils a New AI Assistant and 'Project Ideas' Feature
AI-Powered Business Platforms
myOasbit Focuses on Marketing, Sales, Finance, and Customers
AI-Powered Karaoke Apps
Mayk Launches an AI Karaoke Product Called popstarz.ai
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Idea Validation Tools
'Validator' Researches Micro SaaS Ideas with Competitor Analysis
Cross-Border Startup Pitching Competitions
Seoul Seeks to Ignite Global Startup Collaboration
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
AI Tool Explorers
BusiAi Offers Access to 40,000+ Tools, Articles, and Daily AI Insights
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
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%
AI Content Templates
AI Growth Kit Helps Founders Create Engaging Content in Seconds
AI-Driven Business Transformations
'Unlock the Power of AI' Helps Businesses Integrate AI
Business Idea Validators
Validate-it Quickly Tests Business Ideas and Collects Real Email Leads
AI Business Assistants
FikraHub Turns Ideas into Businesses with AI-Driven Tools for Entrepreneurs
Brand Discovery Platforms
SmartCustomer by Sitejabber Helps Customers Find New Favorite Brands
AI-Powered Search Engines
Find AI Uses Natural Language to Quickly Discover Companies and Talent
Startup Growth Strategies
Do Things That Don't Scale Offers Startup Tactics for Growth
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Real-World Business Ideas
People Problems Discovers Real Business Opportunities From Daily Needs
Idea Feedback Platforms
Only Ideas Helps You Showcase, Share, and Improve Your Startup Concepts
Product Fit Training
Nail Your Niche Helps Startups Find Product-Market Fit With Marketing
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 Networking Platforms
Team-Up Helps Entrepreneurs Connect, Share Ideas, and Expand Networks
Curated Startup Pitches
Startup Pitch Videos Curates Top Startup Pitches From Global Accelerators
AI Business Pitching
Shark Puddle Allows Entrepreneurs to Test Ideas with AI Sharks for Feedback
Investment Comparison Platforms
'Upside Invest' Helps Users Compare Their Progress with Others
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Smart Networking Platforms
Overlap Connects Global Professionals with Curated, Opt-In Email Intros
Career Platform AI Features
LinkedIn Introduces a Slew of AI-Powered Enhancements
Entrepreneurship Term Guides
InvestRoster Dictionary Offers 600+ Terms for Entrepreneurs’ Success
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Social Video Sponsorship Platforms
Find, Vet, and Book YouTube Sponsorships with Thoughtleaders.io
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
Idea Management Apps
Sliiidea Captures, Organizes, and Prioritizes Your Ideas with Ease
Startup Promotion Platforms
Spacehunt Offers an Open-Source Directory to Like-Minded People
Smart Meeting Platforms
That's What You Said! Highlights the Gaps in Modern Meeting Platforms
Investor Outreach Assistants
Blobfish AI Optimizes Investor Connections With Tailored Outreach
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
Freelance Job Alerts
EarlyBird Delivers Instant Alerts and AI Proposals for Freelancers
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
Community-Focused Startup Leaderboards
IndiePage Showcases Startups that Compete for Top Spots
AI-Driven Post-Meeting Tools
Retroideas.ai Suggests Retrospective Topics to Boost Meetings
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
Belize-Based Sustainable Transportation
Belize City to Launch the Eco-Friendly eRIDE Taxi Pilot
In-Neighbourhood Service Maps
TROT KIT Helps Nomads Find Services Where They Are
Professional Resource Hubs
Noulej Offers Expert-Led Playbooks to Overcome Startup Growing Pains
Digital Entrepreneur Directories
WebKits Aggregates Boilerplate Templates Across Tech Stacks
Startup Partnership Platforms
Foundance Helps Startups Find Co-Founders and Structures Agreements