Editor's Top Picks
🎯 Best for Solo Founder
Crisis Text Sites
Crisis Text Sites requires minimal team, clear problem validated by recent disasters, government customers pay well
💰 Fastest to Revenue
Static Site Pricing Calculator
Static Site Pricing Calculator solves immediate pain point for existing market, can launch with templates in months
🚀 Highest Scale Potential
DeFi Portfolio Optimization
DeFi Portfolio Optimization addresses massive market with clear value proposition and network effects
🛡️ Most Defensible
AI Memory Analytics
AI Memory Analytics requires deep technical expertise and creates data moats, high switching costs once integrated
Technology Business Ideas
15 ideas
1
DevOps Security Scanner
"AI-powered Rust-based static analyzer that catches security vulnerabilities in C++ codebases before they reach production."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Legacy C++ codebases in critical infrastructure have memory safety bugs that cost billions in security breaches and downtime
Solution
Static analysis tool using Rust's ownership model principles to identify memory safety issues, buffer overflows, and race conditions in C++ code with AI-enhanced detection
Target Market
Enterprise software teams, financial services, aut...
Revenue Model
SaaS: $500/developer/month for enterprise, $50/mon...
Startup Costs
$200K (2 senior developers for 12 months)
Moat
First mover combining Rust safety principles with ...
First Steps
1Build MVP analyzer for common C++ vulnerabilities
2Test on open source C++ projects
3Get first 10 beta customers from HN network
2
Crisis Text Sites
"Plain text, ultra-fast loading website builder for emergency services and essential businesses during natural disasters."
MEDIUM Scale
EASY
Problem
During emergencies like Hurricane Helene, people need critical information but most websites are bloated and fail under high traffic or poor connectivity
Solution
Website builder that creates stripped-down, text-only versions of essential sites that load in <1 second on 2G connections and handle massive traffic spikes
Target Market
Government agencies, hospitals, utilities, emergen...
Revenue Model
$500/month per site for always-on emergency mode, ...
Startup Costs
$100K (1 developer + designer for 8 months)
Moat
Purpose-built for crisis scenarios, proven need du...
First Steps
1Build MVP with 5 essential templates
2Partner with emergency management consultants
3Pilot with 3 local governments
3
English-to-Code Translator
"Natural language programming tool that converts English specifications into working Rust code using advanced LLMs."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Writing safe systems code requires deep Rust expertise, but most developers struggle with ownership concepts and borrow checker
Solution
AI-powered tool that takes English descriptions of algorithms/systems and generates safe, idiomatic Rust code with explanations
Target Market
Software teams adopting Rust, blockchain developer...
Revenue Model
Freemium: Free for small projects, $50/month for p...
Startup Costs
$300K (3 developers for 12 months, GPU costs)
Moat
Rust-specific expertise, focus on safety and perfo...
First Steps
1Fine-tune LLM on Rust codebase corpus
2Build VS Code extension
3Launch on HN and Rust community
4
CloudOps Terminal
"Beautiful terminal UI for managing AWS resources that's faster and more intuitive than the web console."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
AWS web console is slow, cluttered, and frustrating for power users who need to manage cloud resources efficiently
Solution
Native terminal application with intelligent autocomplete, resource visualization, and keyboard shortcuts for all common AWS operations
Target Market
DevOps engineers, cloud architects, startup CTOs, ...
Revenue Model
$20/month per user, $200/month for teams with adva...
Startup Costs
$150K (2 developers for 10 months)
Moat
Terminal-native experience appeals to developer cu...
First Steps
1Open source MVP for basic EC2/S3 operations
2Build HN community
3Add paid team collaboration features
5
Browser Architecture Academy
"Interactive online course platform teaching browser internals and web performance optimization to developers."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Web developers struggle with performance issues but lack deep understanding of how browsers actually work under the hood
Solution
Hands-on educational platform with interactive visualizations, performance profiling exercises, and real-world optimization challenges
Target Market
Frontend developers, web performance engineers, CS...
Revenue Model
$49/month subscription, $500 for premium courses, ...
Startup Costs
$200K (content creation, platform development, initial marketing)
Moat
Unique focus on browser internals, interactive con...
First Steps
1Create free mini-course on browser rendering
2Build email list through technical blog posts
3Partner with web performance conferences
6
AI Memory Analytics
"Platform for analyzing and optimizing persistent AI agent memory patterns to improve long-term reasoning performance."
HIGH Scale
EXPERT
Problem
AI agents with persistent memory show degraded performance over time, but there are no tools to analyze why or optimize memory usage
Solution
Analytics dashboard that visualizes AI memory patterns, identifies optimization opportunities, and provides memory management best practices
Target Market
AI application developers, enterprise AI teams, AI...
Revenue Model
$200/month for individual developers, $2000/month ...
Startup Costs
$250K (AI/ML team for 10 months)
Moat
First-mover in AI memory optimization, deep techni...
First Steps
1Research memory patterns in existing AI agents
2Build prototype for OpenAI Assistants API
3Validate with AI developer community
7
Agentic Code Review
"AI agent that conducts thorough code reviews using multiple specialized perspectives (security, performance, maintainability)."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Code reviews are inconsistent, time-consuming, and often miss subtle issues because human reviewers can't check everything thoroughly
Solution
Multi-agent system where specialized AI agents review code for different concerns, then synthesize feedback with explanations and suggestions
Target Market
Software development teams, open source projects, ...
Revenue Model
$50/month per developer, $500/month for teams, ent...
Startup Costs
$300K (AI team for 12 months, compute costs)
Moat
Multi-agent approach provides comprehensive review...
First Steps
1Build MVP with 3 specialized agents
2Integrate with GitHub PR workflow
3Test with open source projects
8
Miniature CAD Cloud
"Browser-based CAD tool specifically designed for 3D printing miniatures and small objects with integrated printing optimization."
MEDIUM Scale
HARD
Problem
Existing CAD software is overkill for hobbyist 3D printing, while simple tools lack the precision needed for detailed miniatures
Solution
Specialized CAD tool with miniature-specific features: supports, detail optimization, material calculators, and direct printing service integration
Target Market
3D printing hobbyists, tabletop gaming community, ...
Revenue Model
$20/month for hobbyists, $100/month for profession...
Startup Costs
$400K (experienced 3D graphics team for 12 months)
Moat
Vertical focus on miniatures, integrated printing ...
First Steps
1Survey 3D printing communities for pain points
2Build MVP with basic miniature tools
3Partner with popular miniature designers
9
Personal Data Dashboard
"Automated personal data audit tool that finds and helps delete your information from data brokers after California's new law."
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
California residents can now request data deletion from brokers, but manually finding and contacting hundreds of companies is impractical
Solution
Automated service that identifies which data brokers have your information, submits deletion requests, and tracks compliance
Target Market
Privacy-conscious consumers, California residents,...
Revenue Model
$20/month for automated monitoring, $100 one-time ...
Startup Costs
$200K (legal research, automation tools, compliance systems)
Moat
First to market post-California law, automated app...
First Steps
1Research all data brokers subject to California law
2Build automated request submission system
3Launch with privacy-focused marketing
10
Linear Memory Debugger
"Visual debugging tool for memory management issues in systems programming languages with interactive memory layout visualization."
MEDIUM Scale
EXPERT
Problem
Memory bugs in C/C++/Rust are notoriously hard to debug, and existing tools provide cryptic output that's difficult to interpret
Solution
Interactive debugger that visualizes memory layouts, tracks pointer relationships, and explains memory safety violations in plain English
Target Market
Systems programmers, embedded developers, game dev...
Revenue Model
$100/month per developer, $1000/month for teams, e...
Startup Costs
$350K (systems programming experts for 12 months)
Moat
Visual approach to complex debugging, focuses on h...
First Steps
1Prototype memory visualization for simple C programs
2Test with university computer science programs
3Gather feedback from systems programming communities
11
AI Chatbot Firewall
"Security monitoring service that detects when company AI chatbots go off-rails and provides real-time intervention capabilities."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Companies deploying customer-facing AI chatbots risk brand damage when bots provide incorrect, biased, or inappropriate responses
Solution
Real-time monitoring system that flags problematic AI responses, provides human escalation, and maintains brand safety guardrails
Target Market
E-commerce companies, customer service departments...
Revenue Model
$500/month base + usage pricing, enterprise contra...
Startup Costs
$250K (AI safety team for 10 months)
Moat
Specialized in chatbot safety, real-time intervent...
First Steps
1Analyze common chatbot failures across industries
2Build monitoring prototype for popular chatbot platforms
3Pilot with 5 e-commerce companies
12
Static Site Pricing Calculator
"Specialized pricing and proposal tool for web developers who create static websites and need to justify $18K+ prices to clients."
MEDIUM Scale
EASY
Problem
Web developers struggle to price static sites appropriately and communicate value to clients who think websites should cost $500
Solution
ROI calculator and proposal generator that helps developers justify premium pricing by quantifying business value of professional web presence
Target Market
Freelance web developers, web design agencies, con...
Revenue Model
$50/month for freelancers, $200/month for agencies...
Startup Costs
$100K (developer + designer for 8 months)
Moat
Specific to high-value static site positioning, in...
First Steps
1Interview web developers charging premium prices
2Create ROI calculation templates
3Launch with web developer communities
13
Developer Experience Metrics
"Analytics platform that measures and tracks developer happiness, productivity, and experience across engineering teams."
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Engineering managers lack quantitative data on developer experience and struggle to identify what makes their teams productive vs frustrated
Solution
Automated metrics collection from development tools plus developer surveys to create comprehensive DX scorecards and improvement recommendations
Target Market
Engineering managers, CTOs, developer relations te...
Revenue Model
$100/month per team (up to 20 developers), enterpr...
Startup Costs
$300K (product team for 12 months, integrations)
Moat
Specific focus on developer experience vs generic ...
First Steps
1Research DX metrics used by leading tech companies
2Build integrations with popular dev tools
3Pilot with 10 forward-thinking engineering teams
14
3D Printing Recovery Service
"On-demand service that rescues failed 3D prints by diagnosing issues and providing remote troubleshooting assistance."
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
3D printing hobbyists waste time and materials on failed prints but lack expertise to diagnose complex printing problems
Solution
Expert technicians provide remote diagnosis via uploaded photos/videos, suggest fixes, and offer print recovery services
Target Market
3D printing hobbyists, small businesses using 3D p...
Revenue Model
$25 per diagnosis, $100+ for complex troubleshooti...
Startup Costs
$150K (expert technicians, diagnostic tools, platform development)
Moat
Specialized expertise, faster than trial-and-error...
First Steps
1Recruit expert 3D printing technicians
2Build diagnostic questionnaire and photo analysis tools
3Launch with Reddit 3D printing communities
15
Biotech Anti-Aging Tracker
"Personal dashboard that tracks biomarkers related to aging and provides personalized interventions based on latest longevity research."
HIGH Scale
EXPERT
Problem
People interested in anti-aging interventions lack tools to track progress and don't know which treatments are worth trying
Solution
App that integrates with wearables and lab tests to track aging biomarkers, suggests evidence-based interventions, and measures results
Target Market
Health optimization enthusiasts, affluent individu...
Revenue Model
$50/month for tracking and recommendations, $200/m...
Startup Costs
$400K (medical team, app development, regulatory compliance)
Moat
Specialized in longevity vs general health, eviden...
First Steps
1Partner with longevity medicine doctors
2Research evidence-based anti-aging interventions
3Build MVP tracking common biomarkers
Crypto & Blockchain Ideas
3 ideas
1
DeFi Portfolio Optimization
"AI-powered portfolio management protocol that automatically rebalances DeFi positions for optimal yield while managing risk."
MASSIVE Scale
EXPERT
Problem
DeFi investors struggle to optimize across dozens of protocols, track changing yields, and manage complex risk exposures manually
Solution
Smart contract system that uses ML algorithms to automatically rebalance liquidity positions, harvest yields, and hedge risks across DeFi protocols
Target Market
DeFi power users, crypto fund managers, institutio...
Revenue Model
2% management fee + 20% performance fee, similar t...
Startup Costs
$500K (smart contract development, security audits, initial liquidity)
Moat
Yearn Finance established but focused on single-st...
First Steps
1Research current DeFi yield optimization strategies
2Build MVP smart contracts for basic rebalancing
3Audit contracts and launch with limited TVL
2
Crypto Tax Compliance DAO
"Decentralized network of tax professionals providing crypto tax preparation services paid in tokens with built-in compliance tracking."
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Crypto users need specialized tax help but traditional CPAs are expensive and lack crypto expertise, while users want to stay pseudonymous
Solution
DAO that matches users with crypto-savvy tax pros, provides automated DeFi transaction parsing, and issues compliance certificates as NFTs
Target Market
Active crypto traders, DeFi users, crypto business...
Revenue Model
20% platform fee on tax preparation services, prem...
Startup Costs
$300K (platform development, recruiting tax professionals, legal compliance)
Moat
TaxBit and CoinTracker focus on software, opportun...
First Steps
1Recruit network of crypto-savvy CPAs and tax attorneys
2Build transaction parsing for major DeFi protocols
3Launch beta with privacy-focused marketing
3
Real Estate Tokenization Platform
"Platform for tokenizing rental properties into liquid real estate investment tokens with automated rent distribution and property management."
MASSIVE Scale
EXPERT
Problem
Real estate investment requires large capital and is illiquid, while property owners need better ways to raise capital and share returns
Solution
Smart contract platform that fractionalizes real estate ownership, automates rent collection/distribution, and enables secondary trading of property tokens
Target Market
Real estate investors seeking liquidity, property ...
Revenue Model
2% tokenization fee, 1% annual management fee, tra...
Startup Costs
$1M (legal/regulatory compliance, platform development, initial property acquisitions)
Moat
RealT and Lofty exist but limited property selecti...
First Steps
1Consult with securities lawyers on compliant structure
2Partner with established property management companies
3Pilot with 3-5 rental properties in crypto-friendly jurisdictions
Market Opportunity Ideas
2 ideas
1
Precision Cartilage Therapy
"Anti-aging injection clinics offering knee cartilage regeneration treatments to active older adults before they need joint replacement."
MASSIVE Scale
EXPERT
Problem
Joint replacement surgery is expensive, risky, and disruptive, but people wait until cartilage is completely gone instead of regenerating it early
Solution
Network of specialized clinics offering cartilage regeneration injections with personalized treatment plans and outcome tracking
Target Market
Active adults 45-70 with early arthritis, athletes...
Revenue Model
$5K-15K per treatment series, concierge medicine m...
Startup Costs
$2M (medical licensing, clinic setup, specialized equipment, doctor recruitment)
Moat
Early positioning in emerging field, preventive vs...
First Steps
1Partner with orthopedic surgeons interested in preventive treatments
2Research regulatory pathway for cartilage therapies
2
Cafe Productivity Spaces
"Premium co-working cafe concept designed specifically for solo deep work with optimized acoustics, lighting, and minimal distractions."
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Remote workers love cafes for ambiance but struggle with noise, unreliable WiFi, and pressure to buy drinks; co-working spaces lack the cafe vibe
Solution
Hybrid cafe/co-working spaces with designated quiet zones, premium WiFi, extended seating policies, and cafe-quality coffee
Target Market
Remote workers, freelancers, students, digital nom...
Revenue Model
Membership: $200/month unlimited, $25/day passes, ...
Startup Costs
$500K per location (lease, renovation, equipment, 6 months operating capital)
Moat
Combines best of cafes and co-working, appeals to ...
First Steps
1Test concept with popup locations
2Survey remote workers on ideal workspace features
Trend Analysis
🔥 Hottest Sectors
AI-powered developer tools
Climate/sustainability tech
Longevity/healthspan optimization
🌱 Emerging Technologies
Persistent AI agent memory
Multi-agent AI systems
Biomarker-based personalized medicine
🎯 Market Gaps
AI chatbot safety and monitoring
Developer experience measurement
Premium pricing tools for service providers
📈 Tailwinds
Remote work normalization
AI tool adoption acceleration
Preventive healthcare focus