Editor's Top Picks
🎯 Best for Solo Founder
WikiScroll
WikiScroll can be built by one developer, has clear revenue model, and addresses proven user behavior from HackerNews validation
💰 Fastest to Revenue
PhoneCalc
PhoneCalc addresses immediate pain point, simple to build, can charge premium pricing, and quick to market
🚀 Highest Scale Potential
AgentOps
AgentOps is positioned for massive AI infrastructure market with enterprise customers and usage-based scaling
🛡️ Most Defensible
SecureStack
SecureStack requires deep security expertise, has network effects with enterprise adoption, and high switching costs
Technology Business Ideas
15 ideas
1
SecureStack
"Hardware copy protection API service for modern software companies"
HIGH Scale
EXPERT
Problem
Software companies lose $50B+ annually to piracy, but modern copy protection is either easily cracked or creates terrible UX
Solution
Cloud-based API that provides multiple layers of hardware-based protection (TPM, secure enclaves, hardware fingerprinting) with graceful fallbacks
Target Market
Enterprise software companies selling desktop appl...
Revenue Model
Per-seat licensing + setup fees ($10-50 per protec...
Startup Costs
$250K - team of security engineers and cloud infrastructure
Moat
Modern API-first approach vs legacy dongle vendors...
First Steps
1Build proof-of-concept with TPM integration
2Interview 20 enterprise software companies
3Develop multi-layer protection SDK
2
CodeSandbox Pro
"Enterprise-grade isolated development environments for security-sensitive coding"
MEDIUM Scale
HARD
Problem
Developers working on sensitive code can't use cloud IDEs due to security concerns, but local setup is slow and inconsistent
Solution
Apple container isolation technology (like NanoClaw) packaged as enterprise development environments with air-gapped sync
Target Market
Financial services, defense contractors, healthcar...
Revenue Model
Per-developer subscription ($200/month) + enterpri...
Startup Costs
$400K - need Apple silicon expertise and enterprise sales team
Moat
True isolation vs VMs, Apple silicon optimization,...
First Steps
1Build container isolation prototype
2Get design partners from fintech
3Develop sync/backup system
3
WikiScroll
"Turn any content site into an infinite, personalized discovery feed"
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
People waste hours doomscrolling social media when they could be learning from quality content sites like Wikipedia
Solution
Browser extension + web app that converts any content site into a TikTok-style infinite scroll based on your interests and reading history
Target Market
Knowledge workers, students, curious professionals...
Revenue Model
Freemium model - $5/month for unlimited sites and ...
Startup Costs
$150K - small team, browser extension development, AI infrastructure
Moat
First-mover in transforming traditional content si...
First Steps
1Build MVP for Wikipedia
2Create Chrome extension
3Develop personalization algorithm
4
NoiseMap
"Community-driven noise monitoring and neighbor mediation platform"
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Noise complaints are the #1 neighbor dispute, but there's no objective way to measure or resolve them
Solution
IoT noise sensors + mobile app for logging complaints + mediation marketplace connecting neighbors with local mediators
Target Market
Urban apartment dwellers, property managers, HOAs...
Revenue Model
Sensor sales ($50 each) + SaaS for property manage...
Startup Costs
$300K - IoT hardware development, mobile app, mediator network
Moat
Objective data + human mediation vs just apps or j...
First Steps
1Develop noise sensor prototype
2Build mediator waitlist
3Launch in one apartment-heavy city
5
MicroOS Studio
"No-code platform for building custom micro-operating systems for embedded devices"
HIGH Scale
EXPERT
Problem
IoT companies waste months building custom firmware when they need simple, Android-like interfaces for embedded devices
Solution
Visual builder for creating custom micro-OS interfaces with pre-built components, auto-generated embedded code
Target Market
IoT device manufacturers, industrial equipment com...
Revenue Model
Per-device licensing ($5-20) + enterprise support ...
Startup Costs
$500K - embedded systems expertise, cross-platform toolchain development
Moat
No-code approach vs traditional embedded developme...
First Steps
1Build prototype for popular microcontroller
2Partner with hardware manufacturer
3Create developer preview program
6
AgentOps
"DevOps platform specifically designed for managing and scaling AI agent deployments"
MASSIVE Scale
HARD
Problem
Companies building AI agents lack proper tooling for deployment, monitoring, scaling, and debugging multi-agent systems
Solution
Platform providing agent orchestration, inter-agent communication monitoring, performance analytics, and cost optimization
Target Market
Companies building AI agent systems, from startups...
Revenue Model
Usage-based pricing for compute + SaaS tiers for m...
Startup Costs
$400K - AI/ML infrastructure team, distributed systems expertise
Moat
Agent-native design vs generic MLOps tools, multi-...
First Steps
1Build agent orchestration MVP
2Integrate with popular agent frameworks
3Get design partners from AI companies
7
ZeroTrust Network
"Open-source zero-trust networking with commercial support and hosted options"
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
VPNs are outdated and insecure, but enterprise zero-trust solutions are expensive and complex
Solution
Take successful open-source zero-trust project (like Netbird), add enterprise features, managed hosting, support contracts
Target Market
Mid-market companies (100-2000 employees) who need...
Revenue Model
Open-core model: free OSS + paid enterprise featur...
Startup Costs
$200K - small team to enhance existing OSS project
Moat
Open-source trust + lower cost than pure enterpris...
First Steps
1Contribute to existing OSS zero-trust project
2Build enterprise feature roadmap
3Launch managed beta
8
RetroCompute Cloud
"Cloud hosting for legacy systems and vintage computing environments"
LOW Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Companies and researchers need access to vintage computing environments but hardware is unreliable and expensive
Solution
Cloud-hosted vintage systems (Amiga, early Unix, retro consoles) accessible via web browser with save states and sharing
Target Market
Game preservation projects, computer museums, retr...
Revenue Model
Subscription tiers ($20-200/month) + institutional...
Startup Costs
$150K - emulation expertise, cloud infrastructure, legal/licensing work
Moat
First comprehensive retro computing cloud, preserv...
First Steps
1Build web-based Amiga emulation
2Partner with computer museum
3Create legal framework for software preservation
9
DevSkills Academy
"Hands-on coding bootcamp focused entirely on building production systems that companies actually need"
HIGH Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Coding bootcamps teach toy projects while companies need developers who can work on real production systems
Solution
Students work on actual open-source projects and real company codebases under mentorship, get paid for contributions
Target Market
Career switchers wanting development roles, compan...
Revenue Model
Students pay tuition + placement fees from hiring ...
Startup Costs
$300K - curriculum development, mentor network, company partnerships
Moat
Real-world experience vs toy projects, pre-vetted ...
First Steps
1Partner with 5 companies with real projects
2Recruit experienced developer mentors
3Run pilot cohort
10
StringCompress Pro
"Specialized database compression service for high-volume text data"
MEDIUM Scale
HARD
Problem
Modern databases store massive amounts of text data inefficiently, leading to high storage and query costs
Solution
Drop-in compression service optimized for different text types (logs, JSON, user content) with transparent decompression
Target Market
SaaS companies with large text databases, logging ...
Revenue Model
Usage-based pricing - charge percentage of storage...
Startup Costs
$200K - compression algorithm development, database integration
Moat
Specialized text compression vs generic database c...
First Steps
1Research modern string compression techniques
2Build PostgreSQL plugin prototype
3Find pilot customer with large text database
11
BackupChain
"Time Machine-style backups for entire development environments and server configurations"
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Developers lose hours recreating environments after system failures, and server backup solutions don't capture configuration drift
Solution
Incremental snapshots of entire development environments (code, config, dependencies) with instant rollback capabilities
Target Market
Development teams, DevOps engineers, small hosting...
Revenue Model
Per-environment subscription ($50-500/month) based...
Startup Costs
$250K - distributed systems expertise, cross-platform development
Moat
Developer-focused vs generic backup, captures full...
First Steps
1Build rsync-based prototype
2Create developer toolchain integrations
3Partner with hosting provider
12
GameDev Studio Suite
"Modern development platform and marketplace for indie adventure game creators"
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Adventure games have passionate creators and players but lack modern development tools and distribution
Solution
Enhanced adventure game engine + asset marketplace + publishing platform + revenue sharing with creators
Target Market
Indie adventure game developers, narrative game st...
Revenue Model
Engine licensing + marketplace commission (30%) + ...
Startup Costs
$300K - game engine development, marketplace platform, content creator network
Moat
Genre specialization vs generic engines, integrate...
First Steps
1Enhance existing Adventure Game Studio
2Build asset marketplace
3Sign first publishing deals
13
LocalHost Pro
"Development environment as a service with instant project sharing and collaboration"
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Developers waste time setting up local environments and can't easily share work-in-progress with teammates or clients
Solution
Cloud development environments that feel local but enable instant sharing via URLs, with automated setup from Git repos
Target Market
Web development agencies, freelance developers, di...
Revenue Model
Per-developer subscription ($50-200/month) + pay-p...
Startup Costs
$400K - cloud infrastructure, development environment automation
Moat
Local feel + instant sharing vs pure cloud IDEs or...
First Steps
1Build automated environment setup for popular frameworks
2Create sharing/demo functionality
3Partner with web development agencies
14
PhoneCalc
"Advanced calculator app that actually works reliably for complex calculations on mobile"
LOW Scale
EASY
Problem
Built-in phone calculators fail at complex math and professionals need more than basic arithmetic on mobile
Solution
Premium calculator app with scientific functions, unit conversions, programmable functions, and reliable precision
Target Market
Engineers, scientists, students, financial profess...
Revenue Model
Premium app purchase ($10-30) + subscription for c...
Startup Costs
$75K - mobile app development, mathematical precision libraries
Moat
Focus on reliability and precision vs feature bloa...
First Steps
1Research mathematical precision libraries
2Build iOS prototype focusing on reliability
3Test with engineering professionals
15
TelegramFlow
"No-code platform for building sophisticated Telegram bots with enterprise integrations"
MEDIUM Scale
EASY
Problem
Businesses want to use Telegram bots for customer service and automation but lack technical resources to build them
Solution
Visual bot builder with pre-built integrations (CRM, payment, scheduling) and hosting infrastructure
Target Market
Small businesses, e-commerce stores, service provi...
Revenue Model
Freemium SaaS ($20-200/month) + transaction fees f...
Startup Costs
$150K - no-code platform development, integration partnerships
Moat
Telegram-specific vs generic chatbot builders, reg...
First Steps
1Build visual bot flow editor
2Create common business integrations
3Launch in high-Telegram regions
Crypto & Blockchain Ideas
3 ideas
1
YieldFarm Insurance
"Decentralized insurance protocol protecting DeFi yield farmers from smart contract failures and rug pulls"
HIGH Scale
EXPERT
Problem
DeFi users lose billions to smart contract exploits, rug pulls, and protocol failures but have no recourse
Solution
Risk assessment DAO that underwrites insurance policies for DeFi positions, with community-driven claims processing
Target Market
DeFi yield farmers, institutional DeFi investors, ...
Revenue Model
Insurance premiums (2-10% of insured amount annual...
Startup Costs
$500K - smart contract audits, initial insurance pool, legal compliance
Moat
Nexus Mutual exists but limited coverage, opportun...
First Steps
1Build risk assessment algorithms
2Create underwriter community
3Launch with major DeFi protocols
2
ChainBridge Pro
"Enterprise-grade cross-chain infrastructure for businesses moving assets between blockchains"
MEDIUM Scale
EXPERT
Problem
Businesses need to move assets across chains but existing bridges are risky, expensive, or don't support enterprise features
Solution
Institutional bridge with insurance, compliance reporting, bulk operations, and SLA guarantees
Target Market
Crypto exchanges, institutional investors, multi-c...
Revenue Model
Bridge fees (0.1-0.5%) + enterprise setup fees + S...
Startup Costs
$1M - enterprise compliance, security audits, institutional custody partnerships
Moat
LayerZero, Axelar exist but lack enterprise featur...
First Steps
1Build institutional custody partnerships
2Develop enterprise compliance stack
3Pilot with crypto exchange
3
NFT Utilities Platform
"Backend-as-a-service for adding real utility to NFT projects beyond just profile pictures"
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Most NFTs are worthless because they have no utility beyond speculation and art
Solution
Platform enabling NFT projects to add real features: token-gated communities, IRL event access, product discounts, gaming integration
Target Market
NFT project creators, brands launching NFT campaig...
Revenue Model
SaaS fees for utility features ($100-1000/month) +...
Startup Costs
$300K - platform development, integration partnerships, go-to-market
Moat
Fragmented space with individual solutions, opport...
First Steps
1Build token-gated community features
2Partner with existing NFT projects
3Create gaming utility integrations
Market Opportunity Ideas
2 ideas
1
Heritage Archaeological Services
"Full-service archaeological consulting for infrastructure projects with AI-powered artifact cataloging"
MEDIUM Scale
MODERATE
Problem
Infrastructure projects face massive delays and cost overruns when archaeological discoveries are made during construction
Solution
End-to-end archaeological services with AI-powered artifact identification, digital cataloging, and expedited reporting to minimize project delays
Target Market
Construction companies, government infrastructure ...
Revenue Model
Project-based contracts ($50K-2M per project) + re...
Startup Costs
$400K - archaeological expertise, AI development, field equipment
Moat
AI acceleration of cataloging process vs tradition...
First Steps
1Partner with archaeological consultants
2Develop AI cataloging system
2
Scam Compound Recovery
"Specialized investigation and recovery services for victims of cryptocurrency and online scam operations"
HIGH Scale
HARD
Problem
Millions lose money to sophisticated scam operations but have no specialized recovery options beyond law enforcement
Solution
Digital forensics + legal recovery services specifically for crypto scams, pig butchering, and online fraud with international reach
Target Market
Scam victims, insurance companies, law enforcement...
Revenue Model
Contingency fees (25-35% of recovered funds) + inv...
Startup Costs
$300K - forensics experts, legal partnerships, investigation tools
Moat
Specialized expertise in crypto forensics and inte...
First Steps
1Partner with crypto forensics firms
2Build relationships with international law enforcement
Trend Analysis
🔥 Hottest Sectors
AI Agent Infrastructure
Zero-Trust Networking
Developer Experience Tools
🌱 Emerging Technologies
Container Isolation for Security
Multi-Agent AI Systems
Cross-Chain Infrastructure
🎯 Market Gaps
Enterprise-grade copy protection
Developer-focused backup solutions
Objective noise dispute resolution
📈 Tailwinds
Remote work driving developer tool demand
Security spending increasing across all sectors
Infrastructure spending creating archaeological opportunities