Next big thing: 23 standout tech startup ideas  

Technology is at the forefront of addressing global challenges and driving meaningful change across industries. With the global tech market projected to grow from $8.51 trillion in 2022 to $11.47 trillion by 2026 at a CAGR of 7.75%, the opportunities for innovation are immense.  

From healthcare advancements and sustainable solutions to AI-driven software and mobility innovations, this article explores 23 promising startup ideas, providing a roadmap for entrepreneurs ready to make a lasting impact on the world. 

Health and environment 

Telehealth platforms for mental health 

The global telehealth market is projected to reach $559.52 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 25.2% from 2020 to 2027, according to Fortune Business Insights. Add to this the global mental health crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we get a notably increased demand for accessible mental health services.  

Telehealth platforms dedicated to mental health can offer video consultations, therapy sessions, and mental health resources. BetterHelp and Talkspace, for example, have successfully connected patients with licensed therapists digitally, making mental health care more accessible. According to the American Psychiatric Association, telehealth has shown effectiveness in delivering quality care comparable to face-to-face consultations. 

Ginger is a mental health startup that provides on-demand access to mental health support, offering personalized care through chat-based behavioural health coaching and video therapy. 

Wearable health monitors 

Wearable health devices have become increasingly popular as people seek to monitor their health proactively. According to Statista, the global wearable technology market is expected to grow from $37 billion in 2020 to $104.39 billion by 2027. These devices can track vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, and their functionality seems to become richer and more impressive with every update.  

Fitbit and Apple, for sure, have set the standard with their health-tracking wearables, providing users with insights into their health and fitness. Whoop is a bit less popular but offers a highly convenient fitness tracker that monitors physiological data and provides personalized insights to optimize sleep, recovery, and performance. Professional athletes use their technology to improve training outcomes. 

Eco-friendly packaging solutions 

As sustainability becomes a priority for consumers and businesses, eco-friendly packaging solutions are in high demand. The global green packaging market is projected to reach $511.19 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2020 to 2027, as reported by Allied Market Research. Startups can develop biodegradable and compostable packaging materials to appeal to environmentally conscious customers.  

Loop is a well-known company that provides reusable packaging solutions for products such as food, personal care products, and household items. Ecovative uses mycelium (the root structure of mushrooms) to create sustainable packaging materials that can replace styrofoam and plastic. Their products are biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and, hence, trendy. 

Air quality monitoring systems 

Air pollution is a growing concern in urban areas, significantly affecting public health and quality of life. With the increasing interest in the subject, startups specializing in air quality monitoring systems are gaining traction. The global air quality monitoring system market is projected to reach $6.77 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2019 to 2026. 

Equipped with IoT sensors and data analytics, these systems provide real-time air quality data, empowering city planners and residents to make informed decisions and interventions. Plume Labs offers a personal air quality tracker called Flow, which helps users monitor pollution exposure throughout the day. Their data is used to create air quality maps for cities worldwide. 

Software development 

Custom SaaS solutions for SMEs 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often require tailored software solutions to streamline their operations. A startup offering custom Software as a Service (SaaS) products can help SMEs improve efficiency and productivity. Solutions can include inventory management, customer relationship management, and accounting systems. The global SaaS market is expected to reach $307.3 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 11.7% from 2021 to 2026. 

A good example of such a service is FreshBooks, which provides cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses, allowing users to manage invoices, expenses, and time tracking efficiently. Recnice, the brainchild of Blackthorn Vision, serves as a highly efficient and convenient recognition system, improving morale and overall satisfaction levels in the team while also tracking expenses and integrating with other HR systems. 

Blockchain-based security solutions 

The global blockchain technology market is expected to reach $69.04 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 56.1% from 2020 to 2027, and no wonder. Blockchain technology is a synonym for robust security; its features make it an ideal solution for enhancing data protection. A startup focused on blockchain-based security solutions can provide secure data storage, identity verification, and transaction processing. 

Let’s look at Civic. It uses blockchain technology to offer identity verification services, enabling secure access to online services without compromising personal data. 

Low-code development platforms 

Low-code development platforms enable users to build applications with minimal coding knowledge. The global market for these platforms is projected to reach $46.4 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 28.1% from 2021 to 2026. A company offering a user-friendly, low-code platform can empower businesses to create custom apps quickly and cost-effectively. 

OutSystems is a leading low-code development platform that allows businesses to build enterprise-grade applications rapidly, reducing development time and costs. 

Augmented Reality (AR) apps for education 

Augmented reality (AR) has the potential to transform education by making learning experiences more interactive and engaging. Startups developing AR applications for schools and universities can offer immersive content across various subjects, enhancing student comprehension through hands-on interaction. The AR in the education market is on a rapid growth trajectory, projected to reach $5.3 billion by 2026 with a CAGR of 32.6% from 2021 to 2026.  

For instance, zSpace provides AR/VR educational solutions that allow students to explore complex topics through 3D models and simulations, deepening their understanding and retention of material. 

Design 

AI-powered graphic design tools 

Graphic design plays a vital role in branding and marketing, making it essential for businesses to produce high-quality visuals rapidly and efficiently. Startups developing AI-powered design tools can streamline the creative process by automating repetitive tasks and offering intelligent design suggestions, enabling companies to create professional graphics swiftly. The global graphic design market is anticipated to grow from $45.8 billion in 2021 to $58.2 billion by 2026.  

Canva is a widely used platform that leverages AI to provide user-friendly templates and design tools, catering to those with minimal design experience. Similarly, Adobe Spark offers AI-driven features that help users create visually appealing content quickly, further democratizing design for all skill levels. 

Virtual interior design services 

The global interior design software market is projected to reach $6.872 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 8.3% from 2019 to 2025. As remote work becomes more prevalent, optimizing home environments has become increasingly important. Startups offering virtual interior design services can bridge the gap between clients and designers through online platforms, utilizing 3D modelling software to visualize and personalize redesigned spaces.  

For example, Modsy provides virtual design services that allow users to collaborate with professional designers and create customized home layouts using 3D technology. Havenly offers a platform where clients can work with interior designers online to create tailored design solutions, making professional interior design accessible to a broader audience. 

Sustainable fashion design platform 

The worldwide sustainable fashion market is expected to reach $8.25 billion by 2023, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. Companies focusing on sustainable fashion design can connect eco-conscious designers with consumers, fostering the creation of clothing lines made from recycled and organic materials.  

Platforms like Rent the Runway offer a sustainable approach by enabling customers to rent designer clothing, thereby reducing waste and encouraging eco-friendly practices. Another example is ThredUp, an online consignment and thrift store that promotes sustainability by making it easy to buy and sell secondhand clothing.  

Collaborative design workspaces 

Design teams increasingly rely on collaborative tools to enhance workflow efficiency. By offering integrated design workspaces, you can combine and present them with project management, communication, and design tools as a seamless platform. The collaborative workspace market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.0% from 2021 to 2026.  

Sketch is a vector graphics editor primarily used for user interface and user experience design. It offers collaborative features that allow teams to share designs and prototypes, receive feedback, and iterate quickly. Its cloud-based platform—Sketch for Teams—enhances real-time collaboration among designers. InVision is a digital product design platform that offers collaborative tools for prototyping, animation, and feedback. It allows teams to collaborate on designs, share interactive prototypes, and gather feedback in one place, streamlining the design process from concept to completion. 

Customer service 

AI-driven chatbots for customer support 

AI-driven chatbots are transforming customer service by enabling instant responses to inquiries, significantly improving the efficiency of routine tasks. Chatbots can automate business processes, enhance response times, and deliver personalized customer experiences at scale. The global chatbot market, projected to reach $9.4 billion by 2024 with a CAGR of 29.7% from 2019 to 2024, reflects the growing demand for these technologies.  

Drift, for example, offers AI-powered chatbots that automate sales and customer support, boosting both customer engagement and satisfaction. Intercom uses AI-driven chatbots to assist businesses in providing personalized customer support at scale. Intercom’s bots can handle various tasks, from answering common customer inquiries to qualifying leads, helping companies automate their workflows while maintaining a high level of customer engagement. The platform also offers seamless integration with other tools, making it a versatile solution for businesses looking to enhance their customer service capabilities. 

Virtual Reality (VR) shopping experiences 

Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionizing online shopping by offering immersive product demonstrations that mimic in-store experiences. Startups developing VR shopping platforms enable retailers to showcase their products in a virtual environment, allowing customers to explore items as if they were physically present. The global virtual reality in retail market is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2023, with a CAGR of 48.8% from 2018 to 2023 .  

For instance, Obsess provides VR solutions that create engaging and interactive shopping experiences for retailers . Similarly, Marxent offers VR and 3D solutions for home furnishings and other sectors, enhancing the virtual shopping experience by allowing customers to visualize products in their own space. 

Customer feedback analytics platforms 

Understanding customer feedback is vital for refining products and services. Startups focusing on analytics platforms can transform customer feedback into actionable insights through natural language processing (NLP) and sentiment analysis. The global customer feedback software market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.0% from 2021 to 2026, reflecting the increasing demand for these solutions . 

For instance, Qualtrics provides an experience management platform that analyzes customer feedback, helping businesses enhance their offerings . Similarly, Medallia uses AI-powered analytics to interpret customer feedback in real-time, allowing companies to improve customer experiences and drive growth. 

Personalized loyalty programs 

Loyalty programs are essential for driving customer retention, especially when tailored to individual preferences. Startups that focus on creating personalized loyalty programs can significantly enhance customer engagement by using data-driven insights to offer rewards that resonate with each user. The global loyalty management market is forecasted to reach $10.02 billion by 2025, growing at a robust CAGR of 17.5% from 2020 to 2025 .  

For example, LoyaltyLion specializes in helping e-commerce businesses develop unique loyalty programs that increase customer retention through personalized rewards . Another standout is Smile.io, which powers reward programs for thousands of e-commerce brands, focusing on building emotional connections and fostering long-term loyalty. 

Mobility solutions 

Electric Vehicle (EV) charging networks 

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is driving the need for extensive charging infrastructure. Startups focusing on building and operating EV charging stations have a significant opportunity to support the shift toward sustainable transportation by meeting the growing demand for reliable and accessible EV charging options. The global electric vehicle charging infrastructure market is expected to reach $140 billion by 2030, with a robust CAGR of 31.2% from 2020 to 2030.  

For example, ChargePoint operates one of the world’s largest EV charging networks, offering comprehensive solutions for residential, commercial, and fleet customers . Similarly, EVgo is expanding its fast-charging network across the United States, focusing on high-power charging solutions that cater to urban areas and highway corridors. 

Autonomous delivery services 

Autonomous delivery services are revolutionizing logistics and supply chain operations by offering cost-effective and efficient last-mile delivery solutions. Autonomous delivery vehicles can significantly reduce delivery times and environmental impact while scaling their services to meet growing demand. The global autonomous delivery market is projected to reach $1.66 billion by 2025, with a remarkable CAGR of 49.9% from 2021 to 2025.  

Nuro is pioneering autonomous delivery with self-driving vehicles designed for local deliveries, providing a scalable and sustainable solution for last-mile logistics . Another notable player is Starship Technologies, which operates a fleet of autonomous delivery robots that have already completed millions of deliveries across various cities. 

Smart parking solutions 

Parking in congested urban areas is a persistent challenge, leading to inefficiencies and frustration. Startups focusing on smart parking solutions can leverage IoT technology to optimize parking management, providing real-time data on space availability and implementing dynamic pricing models. These innovations help reduce traffic congestion, improve resource allocation, and enhance the overall parking experience. The global smart parking market is expected to reach $11.13 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 11.1% from 2019 to 2025 .  

ParkMobile offers a mobile app that allows users to find and pay for parking in real-time, simplifying the process and reducing the time spent searching for available spaces . Similarly, SpotHero provides a platform that connects drivers to available parking spots while offering discounted rates, further streamlining urban parking. 

Big Data and AI 

Predictive analytics for business intelligence 

Businesses can achieve a significant competitive advantage by harnessing predictive analytics for strategic decision-making. Predictive analytics solutions can empower companies to forecast trends, optimize operations, and enhance customer satisfaction by analyzing historical data and identifying actionable patterns. The global predictive analytics market is projected to reach $28.1 billion by 2026, with a robust CAGR of 24.5% from 2020 to 2026.  

A good example is Alteryx, which provides a powerful data analytics platform that enables businesses to perform predictive analytics, delivering insights that drive better decision-making and strategic planning . Additionally, RapidMiner offers an end-to-end data science platform that supports predictive analytics, allowing companies to uncover deeper insights and improve operational efficiency. 

AI-Powered healthcare diagnostics 

AI technology is poised to revolutionize healthcare diagnostics, offering transformative potential for early and accurate disease detection. Startups developing AI-powered diagnostic tools can significantly enhance healthcare by enabling professionals to analyze medical images and patient data with unprecedented precision and speed. The global AI in healthcare market is expected to soar to $120.2 billion by 2028, growing at an impressive CAGR of 41.8% from 2021 to 2028.  

For example, Zebra Medical Vision utilizes AI to interpret medical imaging data, delivering critical diagnostic insights that help radiologists improve patient outcomes . Another notable player, Aidoc, provides AI-driven solutions that assist radiologists in prioritizing urgent cases and identifying abnormalities more efficiently, further enhancing diagnostic accuracy. 

Sentiment analysis for social media 

Understanding public sentiment on social media is crucial for brands and businesses to maintain a positive image and stay ahead of trends. Sentiment analysis tools enable organizations to monitor brand perception and detect emerging trends by analyzing social media posts and comments in real-time. The global sentiment analysis market is expected to reach $6.19 billion by 2023, with a CAGR of 14.4% from 2018 to 2023 .  

For instance, Brandwatch provides a robust social media monitoring platform that utilizes sentiment analysis to help businesses understand public opinion and respond proactively to customer feedback.  

AI-based fraud detection systems 

Fraud detection is essential for safeguarding businesses from significant financial losses. Startups focusing on AI-based fraud detection systems can empower organizations to detect and prevent fraudulent activities by analyzing transaction data and identifying suspicious anomalies. The global fraud detection and prevention market is projected to reach $63.5 billion by 2023, with a strong CAGR of 20.1% from 2018 to 2023 .  

For example, Feedzai offers an advanced AI-based fraud detection platform that enables financial institutions to monitor and prevent fraud in real-time, thereby enhancing security and reducing operational risk. Another key player, Fraud.net, combines AI, machine learning, and collective intelligence to deliver comprehensive fraud detection and risk management solutions across various industries. 

Bottom line 

The tech landscape is brimming with opportunities for innovation and impact. There has never been a better time for entrepreneurs to launch game-changing startups. From healthcare advancements to AI-driven solutions, these tech startup ideas offer a roadmap for those ready to act and shape their ideas. Each one is already backed by impressive examples, ensuring that the industries are in bloom and there is space for development and competition.  

As we move forward, these innovations will not only address global challenges but also drive meaningful change across industries, setting the stage for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable world. If this research inspired you and you have an idea to discuss, contact us, and we’ll gladly turn it into a product!