Instant Entrepreneurship

Trend - Brands in the more designer end of the tech spectrum are releasing products with stretchable and malleable displays. These use AMOLED technology and are built in such a way that they can be twisted and bent without breaking or stopping the image from being displayed.

Insight - Businesses and startups with more niche product ideas often run into barriers when trying to bring a concept product to reality. These barriers can include cost, scale, or simply the feasibility of the product in general. Many such products in the technology space are limited due to physical limitations regarding battery sizes or screen sizes, amongst other potential issues. In order to address these concerns, designer tech brands are creating malleable displays for unique product ideas.

Trend - Software companies in the gaming space are launching marketplaces designed for game developers. These marketplaces offer assets, such as 3D character models, audio tracks, or maps, to be purchased and licensed for use by other developers, aiming to streamline and decentralize game development.

Insight - Novice game developers could encounter any number of issues when entering the space based on their prior expertise. For example, those with an artistic background may have no trouble drawing their character models and maps, but may struggle with music or 3D animations, while the inverse may be true for another developer. In order to appeal to these developers and alleviate stress where it may arise, gaming software brands are launching marketplaces with licensable assets.

Trend - Companies are implementing mentorship programs to support LGBTQ+ employees entering the workforce. By connecting junior employees with successful LGBTQ+ mentors, these initiatives provide resources and skills, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering career growth.

Insight - As Gen Z becomes a larger part of the workforce, many entry-level employees with diverse identities experience isolation and imposter syndrome from perceived underrepresentation. In response, companies are launching programs that connect senior employees with younger LGBTQ+ individuals, providing vital support during their transition into full-time roles. Businesses that identify these unique hurdles can enhance employee retention and gain valuable insights into their diverse consumer bases.

Trend - Companies are creating suites of AI-powered tools designed to improve the experience of job searching and interviewing. These tools range from resume generators and optimizers to mock interviews or interview feedback platforms. These brands aim to provide a leg-up in a competitive job market.

Insight - The rise of artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into countless professional and personal fields, with the hiring and onboarding processes being no exception. Human Resources departments are turning to AI tools to sift through resumes, leading to a competitive job market being made more competitive for applicants with less experience. In order to appeal to these aspiring professionals, brands are creating AI tools that streamline application processes.

Trend - Businesses are increasingly leveraging AI-powered tools to record, transcribe, and summarize meetings in professional settings. These tools utilize advanced speech recognition technology to capture conversations in real time and deliver well-organized, searchable notes with minimal manual input.

Insight - Clear communication and concise documentation are essential for smooth business operations, but employees can struggle to focus on critical information when they are also responsible for manually taking notes. By handling these tasks through automated technology, virtual notetakers reduce the manual effort required from employees. This significantly streamlines business communication and documentation, maximizing time spent on higher-priority tasks that can substantially benefit the company.

Trend - Companies are launching new initiatives to help employees understand, work with, and optimize artificial intelligence (AI) tools and systems. These trainings provide the knowledge needed to harness the potential of AI technology, leading to improved job performance and organizational output.

Insight - The rapid integration of AI across various industries has driven many businesses to swiftly adjust their tools and policies to maintain a competitive edge. However, employees outside of technical or development roles often lack the expertise to effectively utilize AI to support their company’s goals. By offering educational resources to help employees expand their AI skills, businesses can benefit from a more knowledgeable and capable workforce, ultimately enhancing productivity and innovation.

Trend - 3D printing brands are creating more unique 3D printers that either use a tool-switcher, or several concurrent tools, to print single projects that utilize more than one material. These multi-material printers are designed for more advanced printing jobs for personal or professional use.

Insight - 3D printing is one such field that has grown far larger than just being a hobby for most. Many consumers create businesses, or streamline their startups, by using 3D printers to save drastically on production costs. However, for more complex products, 3D printing was not always viable, leading to these businesses needing to source product components from traditional manufacturing facilities. However, 3D printing brands are now catering to these needs with multi-material and multi-tool printers.

Trend - Startups are launching AI tools that generate product descriptions for online retailers. These tools take into account cost, highlight features, and detailed information to generate attention-grabbing copy quickly. These tools are designed to save time and money for online storefront operators.

Insight - Retailers with storefronts are aware of the challenges associated with each aspect of the website. These challenges include paying either internal IT departments or third-parties to maintain the website, taking product photos, dealing with online fulfillment and post-service support, and more. These retailers are closely following the AI revolution for tools that alleviate one of these challenge categories. Brands are addressing one category with AI product description-generating tools.

Trend - Companies are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence in the hiring process to streamline various aspects of recruitment. This can include everything from automating resume screening to identifying top candidates, allowing HR teams to focus on other relevant aspects of recruitment.

Insight - Hiring managers frequently face the daunting task of sifting through hundreds of resumes, a process that can easily lead to the risk of overlooking qualified candidates. To address this issue, new automation-based tools are emerging to assist recruiters in accurately evaluating each applicant and their qualifications. By adopting AI-driven solutions, businesses can more effectively manage the complexities of modern recruitment, improving employee retention and streamlining the hiring process.

Trend - Photography brands are designing smartphone-compatible stabilizing devices with motorized gimbal mechanisms. These devices physically support smartphones while capturing media, allowing for unique angles and steady footage devoid of jitters and harsh movements.

Insight - Social media has impacted consumer behavior, leading to a significant increase in individuals aspiring to pursue content creation and influencer status. These consumers are in search of products that help generate professional-grade media content using their current equipment. Businesses that recognize the demand for affordable and effective media production solutions can appeal to consumers who require these tools to further their creative pursuits.