Editor's Top Picks
🎯 Best for Solo Founder
TipGuard
TipGuard requires minimal startup capital, has viral potential, and addresses a universal consumer pain point that's trending on social media
💰 Fastest to Revenue
WindowFlow
WindowFlow targets Mac power users who will pay for productivity tools, has a clear value prop, and can launch in 3-4 months with immediate revenue
🛡️ Most Defensible
GuardRail AI
GuardRail AI builds regulatory moats and deep domain expertise in AI safety, creating high switching costs and barriers to entry in a growing compliance market
Technology Business Ideas
15 ideas
1
WindowFlow
"macOS window management tool that actually works, solving the persistent window resizing nightmare."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
macOS window management remains frustrating for power users, with 389 HN points and 178 comments showing ongoing pain
Solution
Native macOS app with keyboard shortcuts, snap zones, and AI-powered workspace memory that learns user preferences
Target Market
Mac power users, developers, designers - 50M+ Mac ...
Revenue Model
$29 one-time purchase + $9/year for pro features a...
Startup Costs
$15K (Mac dev license, initial development, basic marketing)
Moat
Native performance, AI learning, focus on actual u...
First Steps
1Build MVP with core window snapping
2Launch on ProductHunt and HN
3Get early user feedback
2
TipGuard
"Browser extension and mobile app that automatically selects 'No Tip' and blocks dark patterns in payment flows."
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Dark patterns in tip screens cost consumers billions annually, with 229 HN points showing strong user frustration
Solution
AI-powered browser extension that detects tip screens and automatically selects fair options or skips tips
Target Market
Cost-conscious consumers, especially younger demog...
Revenue Model
Freemium: Free basic features, $2.99/month for adv...
Startup Costs
$25K (development, legal review for compliance, initial marketing)
Moat
First-mover in automated tip optimization, growing...
First Steps
1Build Chrome extension MVP
2Test on major platforms (Square, Toast, etc.)
3Launch on social media with viral content
3
NestedVM
"Managed nested virtualization service that makes AWS's new nested VM support actually usable for developers."
MEDIUM Scale
HARD
Problem
AWS added nested virtualization support but it's complex to set up and manage for most use cases
Solution
One-click nested VM environments with templates for security testing, legacy app isolation, and development
Target Market
Security researchers, enterprise IT, software deve...
Revenue Model
Usage-based pricing: $0.50/hour per nested VM + ma...
Startup Costs
$100K (AWS credits, development team, compliance setup)
Moat
Specialized focus on nested VMs, simpler UX than r...
First Steps
1Build prototype on AWS nested VMs
2Create security researcher use case
3Get pilot customers
4
AICodeHarness
"Dramatically improve LLM coding performance by optimizing the testing harness, not the model."
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Research shows changing just the harness improved 15 LLMs at coding in one afternoon - huge overlooked opportunity
Solution
SaaS tool that wraps any LLM API with optimized prompting, better context, and smarter test execution
Target Market
Software teams using AI coding assistants, dev too...
Revenue Model
$50/dev/month for teams, $500/month for small comp...
Startup Costs
$50K (development, LLM API costs, initial team)
Moat
Focus on harness optimization vs model training, i...
First Steps
1Replicate the research results
2Build API wrapper prototype
3Test with beta developers
5
GuardRail AI
"Multilingual, context-aware safety guardrails for LLMs used in sensitive applications."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
LLMs in humanitarian, healthcare, and enterprise contexts need better safety controls than generic filters
Solution
Industry-specific safety layers that understand context, culture, and consequences of AI outputs
Target Market
Healthcare orgs, NGOs, government contractors, fin...
Revenue Model
$10K-100K annual licenses per organization, custom...
Startup Costs
$200K (AI safety team, compliance expertise, enterprise sales setup)
Moat
Domain specialization, multilingual support, human...
First Steps
1Partner with humanitarian org for pilot
2Build healthcare use case
3Engage regulatory experts
6
RingReplacement
"Privacy-first home security system targeting Ring owners who are returning their cameras."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Ring owners are returning cameras due to privacy concerns and surveillance partnerships
Solution
Local-only home security system with edge AI, no cloud storage, open-source firmware
Target Market
Privacy-conscious homeowners, tech-savvy consumers...
Revenue Model
Hardware sales: $199-499 per device, optional loca...
Startup Costs
$500K (hardware development, manufacturing setup, initial inventory)
Moat
Privacy-first positioning, local processing, trans...
First Steps
1Develop MVP with existing camera hardware
2Build local AI processing
3Launch crowdfunding campaign
7
AgentOrchestra
"Platform that orchestrates multiple AI agents to write and maintain large codebases collaboratively."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
24 HN comments asking about agent orchestrators for coding - clear developer interest in multi-agent systems
Solution
IDE plugin that coordinates specialized AI agents for different coding tasks (architecture, implementation, testing, review)
Target Market
Software development teams, technical founders, co...
Revenue Model
$99/month per developer, enterprise team licenses,...
Startup Costs
$75K (AI talent, development, IDE integrations)
Moat
Multi-agent specialization, orchestration intellig...
First Steps
1Build VS Code extension prototype
2Create specialized agents for different tasks
3Test with beta developer teams
8
WaymoWatch
"Real-time autonomous vehicle monitoring and analytics platform for cities deploying self-driving cars."
MEDIUM Scale
HARD
Problem
Waymo beginning fully autonomous operations creates need for city oversight and public transparency
Solution
Dashboard for city officials to monitor AV performance, safety metrics, and public impact in real-time
Target Market
City transportation departments, public safety off...
Revenue Model
$50K-500K annual licenses per city, custom analyti...
Startup Costs
$150K (government relations, technical development, compliance setup)
Moat
First-mover in AV oversight, government relationsh...
First Steps
1Partner with forward-thinking city
2Build prototype with public AV data
3Engage transportation officials
9
PolisForCompanies
"Adapt the successful Polis civic deliberation platform for corporate decision-making and team alignment."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Companies struggle with large-scale employee input and consensus-building, especially remote organizations
Solution
Enterprise version of Polis platform optimized for company culture, strategy decisions, and policy development
Target Market
Mid to large companies (500+ employees), consultin...
Revenue Model
$5-15 per employee per month, implementation servi...
Startup Costs
$100K (platform adaptation, enterprise features, sales setup)
Moat
Proven civic model adapted for business, focus on ...
First Steps
1Adapt open-source Polis for enterprise
2Pilot with progressive companies
3Build enterprise security features
10
EmailReliabilityGuard
"Monitoring service that alerts businesses when their emails aren't reaching major providers like Google Workspace."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Major European payment processor can't send emails to Google Workspace users - this affects many businesses silently
Solution
Continuous monitoring of email deliverability across major providers with instant alerts and troubleshooting
Target Market
SaaS companies, e-commerce businesses, email marke...
Revenue Model
$49-299/month based on email volume, enterprise co...
Startup Costs
$25K (infrastructure setup, monitoring systems, initial development)
Moat
Focus on reliability monitoring vs marketing optim...
First Steps
1Build monitoring infrastructure
2Create test accounts across major providers
3Launch with freemium model
11
RetroSynthStudio
"Modern DAW plugin that recreates the Atari 2600 synthesizer cartridge for contemporary music production."
LOW Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Growing interest in retro gaming sounds for music production, but authentic vintage gear is expensive and rare
Solution
High-quality VST/AU plugin that perfectly emulates Atari 2600 sound capabilities with modern workflow integration
Target Market
Music producers, electronic musicians, game audio ...
Revenue Model
$49-99 one-time purchase, bundle deals with other ...
Startup Costs
$15K (audio development expertise, plugin development tools, marketing)
Moat
Authentic sound recreation, focused niche, strong ...
First Steps
1Research Atari 2600 sound architecture
2Build prototype emulation
3Connect with chiptune community
12
InstructionArt
"Platform for creating and selling Sol LeWitt-style instruction-based digital art with blockchain provenance."
LOW Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Growing interest in algorithmic/instruction-based art but no good platform for creation and authentication
Solution
Web-based tool for creating instruction art + NFT marketplace with verified execution and provenance tracking
Target Market
Digital artists, art collectors, algorithmic art e...
Revenue Model
10% commission on art sales, $19/month for creator...
Startup Costs
$30K (web development, blockchain integration, art community building)
Moat
Specialized focus on instruction-based art, built-...
First Steps
1Build instruction creation interface
2Partner with algorithmic artists
3Launch on art-focused social media
13
RemoteFirst
"Comprehensive platform for companies transitioning to fully remote operations, based on pandemic-learned best practices."
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Companies still struggling with remote work effectiveness, need structured approach to distributed teams
Solution
All-in-one platform with remote team management, async communication tools, culture building, and productivity tracking
Target Market
Mid-size companies (50-500 employees) going remote...
Revenue Model
$25-50 per employee per month, implementation serv...
Startup Costs
$150K (platform development, content creation, enterprise sales team)
Moat
Holistic approach vs point solutions, focus on rem...
First Steps
1Build MVP with core remote management features
2Create remote culture assessment
3Partner with remote work consultants
14
VoiceTestGuard
"Specialized testing service for voice AI systems to catch critical failures in high-stakes utterances."
MEDIUM Scale
HARD
Problem
Speech recognition systems fail on short, important phrases despite good benchmark performance
Solution
Testing platform focused on high-stakes voice scenarios: addresses, commands, emergency phrases, names
Target Market
Voice AI companies, automotive manufacturers, heal...
Revenue Model
$50K-500K annual testing contracts, pay-per-test A...
Startup Costs
$100K (voice AI expertise, testing infrastructure, industry partnerships)
Moat
Specialized focus on high-stakes scenarios, domain...
First Steps
1Build testing framework for common failures
2Partner with voice AI startups
3Create public research on voice failure modes
15
DataArchiveFlow
"Automated data archiving service that helps companies comply with data retention policies and reduce storage costs."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Companies accumulate massive data stores with complex retention requirements but lack automated governance
Solution
AI-powered platform that automatically categorizes, archives, and deletes data based on compliance rules and business value
Target Market
Mid to large enterprises, healthcare organizations...
Revenue Model
$10K-100K annual licenses, implementation services...
Startup Costs
$200K (enterprise development, compliance expertise, security certifications)
Moat
Focus on compliance automation, AI-powered categor...
First Steps
1Build prototype with common retention policies
2Partner with compliance consultants
3Create ROI calculator for prospects
Crypto & Blockchain Ideas
3 ideas
1
YieldStable
"Decentralized savings protocol that automatically moves funds between the highest-yielding stablecoins and DeFi protocols."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Users manually chase yields across fragmented DeFi protocols, missing opportunities and paying gas fees
Solution
Smart contract that automatically rebalances between USDT, USDC, USDS, and yield protocols based on risk-adjusted returns
Target Market
DeFi yield farmers, institutional treasuries, cryp...
Revenue Model
0.5-1% performance fee on yields generated, premiu...
Startup Costs
$100K (smart contract development, audits, initial liquidity)
Moat
Yearn Finance exists but complex UX, opportunity f...
First Steps
1Develop yield comparison algorithm
2Build and audit smart contracts
3Launch with limited TVL
2
ChainCast
"Decentralized podcast platform where listeners earn tokens for engagement and creators get direct fan funding."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Podcasters rely on centralized platforms and ad revenue, listeners have no ownership in shows they support
Solution
Web3 podcast platform with creator tokens, listener rewards, and decentralized content storage
Target Market
Independent podcasters, crypto-native audiences, p...
Revenue Model
Transaction fees on creator token trades, premium ...
Startup Costs
$75K (platform development, IPFS infrastructure, creator onboarding)
Moat
Traditional platforms dominate, but crypto-native ...
First Steps
1Build MVP with basic podcasting features
2Onboard crypto-focused podcasters
3Launch creator token experiments
3
ProofOfLocation
"Blockchain infrastructure for verifiable location data that enables location-based DApps and rewards."
HIGH Scale
EXPERT
Problem
Location data is centralized and unverifiable, limiting trustless location-based applications
Solution
Decentralized network of location oracles that provide cryptographically verifiable location proofs
Target Market
DApp developers, gaming applications, supply chain...
Revenue Model
API fees from applications, oracle network transac...
Startup Costs
$150K (oracle network development, mobile SDK, hardware partnerships)
Moat
Helium provides some location services, but focuse...
First Steps
1Build proof-of-concept with basic location verification
2Partner with mobile gaming DApp
3Develop oracle network protocol
Market Opportunity Ideas
2 ideas
1
ModernDrywall
"High-end drywall installation service targeting luxury homes and commercial spaces with premium finishes."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Drywall work is often seen as commodity service despite requiring high skill for premium results
Solution
Specialized drywall company focusing on luxury market with superior craftsmanship and customer experience
Target Market
Custom home builders, luxury renovations, high-end...
Revenue Model
Premium hourly rates ($75-150/hour), project-based...
Startup Costs
$50K (equipment, insurance, initial team, marketing)
Moat
Quality focus in commodity market, brand building ...
First Steps
1Build portfolio with high-quality work
2Partner with luxury builders
2
TechCareerRecovery
"Career coaching and placement service specifically for tech workers affected by recent layoffs."
MEDIUM Scale
EASY
Problem
Thousands of skilled tech workers need specialized support navigating post-layoff career transitions
Solution
Comprehensive service combining career coaching, skill assessment, interview prep, and placement services
Target Market
Laid-off tech workers, career changers entering te...
Revenue Model
Upfront coaching fees ($2K-5K), placement fees fro...
Startup Costs
$25K (certification, marketing, initial operations)
Moat
Tech specialization, understanding of current mark...
First Steps
1Get career coaching certification
2Build network of tech hiring managers
Trend Analysis
🔥 Hottest Sectors
AI Agent Orchestration
Privacy-First Hardware
Enterprise AI Safety
🌱 Emerging Technologies
Multi-Agent AI Systems
Local AI Processing
Nested Virtualization
🎯 Market Gaps
macOS Productivity Tools
Email Deliverability Monitoring
Voice AI Testing
📈 Tailwinds
AI productivity focus
Privacy regulations
Remote work permanence