The top May 2016 start-up ideas experiment across a wide range of industries, including concepts for dedicated co-working spaces inside retail environments, lighting systems powered by bacteria and bicycles that are produced entirely by robots.
One of the most prevalent themes in many of these new start-ups is that products and services are being introduced to carry out a hyper-specific purpose. For instance, HyreCar provides people without cars the chance to rent vehicles in order to become a ridesharing driver, while Optinno Mobitech launched an app to identify the chances a phone call will be dropped.
In order to promote the spread of new concepts that may turn into new ventures, there are services like UberPITCH and OpenInvest that change the traditional dynamic between an investor and someone with a bright idea.
Top 65 Start-Up Innovations in May
65
Self-Scanning Shopping Apps
QueueHop Lets You Skip the Line With Smartphone Self-Service Checkout
64
Customizable E-Textile Startups
This Wearable Platform Incorporates Electronics Into Clothes
63
Bacteria-Powered Lighting
Glowee Uses Bioluminescent Bacteria as a Sustainable Source of Light
62
Meditation-Focused Offices
The Headspace Headquarters is Mindful of Employees Overall Well-Being
61
Rooftop Spirulina Farms
This Startup is Growing Edible Algae on Top of a Bangkok Hotel
60
Robot-Produced Bicycles
The Mokumono Bike is Quick and Inexpensive to Produce
59
Solar Cell-Embedded Roads
'Solmove' is Designing a Flexible Glass Carpet Filled with Solar Cells
58
Automated Business Matchmaking Services
Swaaap.com's Platform Connects Businesses & Entrepreneurs
57
Tech Maker Subscription Boxes
'Creation Crate' Offers a Tech Education Subscription Service
56
Streamlined Design Platforms
Havenly Lets You Hire Interior Designers For Low Prices
55
Eco-Friendly Feminine Products
This Company Sells Organic Pads, Tampons and Panty Liners
54
Hispanic Beverage Clubs
Nuestro Natural's Consumer Club Provides Inexpensive Natural Beverages
53
Boho-Glam Design Shops
Vintage Sparkle Brings Vintage Bohemian Decor to Nashville Residents
52
Cirtusy Vodka Cans
Social Lite Vodka in a Can is a Guilt-Free Sugarless Health-Conscious Beverage
51
Blood Bank Delivery Drones
This Company is Using Drones to Deliver Blood to Rural Parts of Rwanda
50
Custom Coffee Delivery Services
'DOERS.coffee' Offers Custom Roasted Coffee Beans
49
Community-Focused Boutiques
The 'House Of' Boutique Promotes Tennessee Fashion Designers
48
Passwordless Security Software
Cyber Security Platform Sonikpass Enhances the User Experience
47
Content Contest Apps
Social Media Gaming Platform Wyrd Lets Users Vote for Creators' Posts
46
Integrated Indie Bookstores
The Atomic Nashville Store Sells Books, Artworks and Music
45
Convenient Composting Services
Compost Nashville Picks Up Residential and Commercial Compost
44
P2P Parcel Pickup Services
eNeighbr is a NYC Platform Helping Indivduals Receive Their Mail
43
In-Store Co-Working Stations
Staples is Introducing Office Sharing Within Its Retail Locations
42
Carbon-Reducing Crowdfunding Platforms
This Climate Change Site Helps You Donate to Eco Campaigns
41
Literal Fridge-Stocking Services
This Grocery Delivery Service Includes Literal In-Fridge Stocking
40
IoT Service Providers
Rogers Communications Provides IoT Infrastructure Solutions for Companies
39
On-Demand Detailing Services
The Envi App Allows Users to Request a Water-Free Car Wash Anytime
38
Design Review Platforms
Hurated is Like a Search Engine for Design Products Curated by Tastemakers
37
Restaurant-Filling Taxi Services
The 'Cake.af' Service Offers Free Rides to Empty Restaurants
36
Martian Housing Projects
RedWorks Aims to Use Martian Soil to Create Buildings on the Red Planet
35
Social Calendar Apps
Events App Teplr Turns Your Daily Activities Into a Social Experience
34
Rapid-Capture Cameras
This Adventure Camera Lets You Capture Video Scenes Instantly
33
Aggregated Job Platforms
'BetterWage' is an All-In-One Job Search Platform
32
Gas Delivery Apps
The Yoshi App Lets You Refuel Your Vehicle at Home Or Work
31
Crowdsourced Food Delivery Apps
The Foodida App Allows Anyone to Execute Fast Food Deliveries
30
Accurate Analog Speedometers
The Omata One Speedometer Device Uses GPS Technology
29
Pop-Up Lunch Services
'Sifted' Delivers Pop-Up Dining Services To Your Office
28
App-Focused TV Shows
The New Apple Show Will Feature Content on Apps and Developers
27
Ridesharing Car Rentals
'HyreCar' Helps People Without a Car Rent One to Drive for Uber and Lyft
26
Cabinet-Shaped Home Robots
This Start-Up is Making a Jetsons-Style Smart Home Robot
25
Ethical Investing Tools
The OpenInvest Tool Helps Consumers Make Socially Responsible Investments
24
Joy-Spreading Parcel Services
Positivity Pack Allows You To Send an Activity-Packed Happiness Kit
23
UV Smartphone Cleaners
AtomCleanse is a Phone Cleaner Device That Uses Sterilizing UV Light
22
On-Demand Repair Services
'GoBumpr' is a Vehicle Repair Service for Motorbikes and Cars
21
Barista-Locating Apps
Coffee Shot Connects Users to an At Home Barista for a Custom Cup of Coffee
20
Neighbor-Assigned Delivery Services
The eNeighbor App Lets Users Receive Other Neighbor's Packages
19
Freelance Writing Portals
New Online Platform Text-Writers Lets Companies Hire Freelance Writers
18
Baseball Stadium Fountain Drinks
This Baseball Stadium Now Sells Egg Creams During Games
17
Versatile MIDI Controllers
The Dualo MIDI Controller is Also a Sequencer and Synthesizer
16
Venture Capitalist Taxi Rides
UberPITCH Lets Entrepreneurs Pitch Potential Investors
15
Trailblazing Automotive Startups
Jaguar's InMotion Startup Will Focus On Apps and Connectivity
14
Motorcycle License Apps
This App Lets Users Store All Motorbike-Related Documents In One Place
13
Community Down Payment Programs
Landed Helps with Crowdfunding Real Estate Down Payments
12
Shift Planning Apps
Planday Helps Businesses Manage Their Workforce
11
Alternative Student Lending Services
'Climb Credit' is Working to Change the Student Lending Model
10
Automated Brokering Services
This Digital Mortgage Broking Services Empowers Homebuyers
9
Gourmet Italian Meal Kits
The 'Gourmio' Food Delivery Service is Dedicated to Italian Cuisine
8
Interactive Karaoke Apps
The Karaoq App Brings Royalties, Ratings and Sponsorships to Karaoke
7
Universal TV Services
Molotov Competes with Apple TV on a Whole Other Level
6
Minority Investment Funds
The Focus Fund Help Startups Not Run by White Men in Big Cities
5
Dropped Call-Alerting Apps
The smartbro Range App Alerts Telecom Customers Of Possible Call Drops
4
Bill Negotiation Services
BillFixers Negotiates Cable and Internet Bills On Consumers' Behalf
3
Pasteurized Probiotic Cheeses
This Probiotic Cheese Can Support Healthy Digestion
2
Sauce-Paired Fish Meals
LoveTheWild Offers Frozen Fish With Sauces and Cooking Instructions
1
Automated Classical Music Platforms
Dart Music Enables Distribution of Independent Classical Music
Related Ideas
Idyllic Pet Pop-Ups
Uber Eats and PetSmart Created "The Best Pet House Ever"
Reconfigurable Travel Pod Vehicles
The PIX Robobus Changes According to Passenger Needs
Electric Transportation Concepts
Marko Petrovic Balances Utility, Sustainability, and Demand
Smart Greenhouse Technologies
Iron Ox is a Startup Working to Automate and Improve Greenhouses
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Digital Nomad Concept Cars
This Multipurpose Car Was Envisioned By Students From Skoda
Disruptive AI-Finance Chatbots
Origin Financial Wins Big with AI Chatbot for Everyday Finance
Electric Street Food Bikes
'SmartEbikes' Aims to Disrupt the Street Food Industry with Bikes
Autonomous Pizza Vendors
Speedy Eats Develops a Pizza-Topping Robot for Its Automated Restaurants
Crop-Scouting Robots
Meropy's Innovation Helps Monitor and Take Care of Crops
Multifunctional Foldable Mobile Devices
The Conceptual 'Move' Mobile Device Replaces Five Devices
AI-Powered Healthcare Pods
CarePods are the World's First Artificial Intelligence Doctor's Offices
Electric Scooter Sharing Systems
Unknown Untitled Proposes an E-scooter Sharing Scheme for Paris
IoT Grocery Platforms
Hanshow Unveils Its New IoT Retail Platform Called 'All-Star'
Superhero-Inspired Automobiles
Midjourney Boasts a Slew of AI-Generated Car Designs
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
AI-Powered Shopping Apps
Shoptrue Curates Personalized Fashion Picks with Artificial Intelligence
Connected Service Management Systems
The Conceptual 'DOTT' Smart Controller by Soyoon Lee is Sleek
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
AI Pet Care Apps
Healthcare App TTcare is a CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
Futuristic Auto Micro Factories
Most Architecture Unveils a Modern Factory for Charge Cars
Alphabet-Shaped Mobility Solutions
These Mobility Device Concepts by Siddhesh Bhogale are Advanced
Sustainable Smart City Solutions
Omniflow is Illuminating Sustainable Smart Cities with Edge AI
Circular Streaming Service Controllers
The Spotify Home Thing by Juan Cruz Ottonelli is Compact
Free Content Creation Platforms
'Piggy' Raised $7.7 Million to Launch its Platform on ProductHunt
Socialization-Encouraging Travel Pods
The 'Agora-E' Mobility Concept by Andrea Ponti is Minimalist
Vegan Sportswear Pop-Ups
Hylo Athletics' Pop-Up at Harrods Includes a Recycling Component
Micro-Mobility Transport Systems
Vaimoo Announced the Forte Evo E-Bike Designed for Public Transit
Driverless Robotaxis
Lyft Partners with Motional to Launch an Autonomous Taxi Called 'IONIQ 5'
AI-Powered Fintech Tools
Square Introduces Ten New Generative AI Features for Content Creation
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
Mobility Device Trials
The Scootaround App Soft Launched the Self-Activated Trial
Creative Side Hustle Platforms
The 'Rassa' Platform Helps Users with Creative Ventures
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
AI-Fueled Sustainable Product Series
SPACE10 and oio studio Add AI to Products of Place
Cell-Cultured Coffee Startups
Startup Stem is Creating Cell-Cultured Coffee for the Masses
Robot-Enabled Locker Deliveries
Ottobot Lockers Brings a Delivery Innovation to CES 2024
Zero-Waste Voucher Solutions
On-us Launches New Technology for Sustainable Event Engagement
AI-Powered DIY Home Apps
Praxis Introduces New Features to Its Praxis Plus App
Interchangeable Autonomous Vehicles
The 'OIII' Urban Driverless Transportation System is Advanced
Startup Bike-Sharing Services
Curve Electric Partners with SSCL to Launch a Public E-Bike Service
Food Entrepreneurship Programs
Nestle Launches Its New 'Youth Entrepreneurship Platform'
Web3 Start-Up Accelerators
L’Oréal and Meta are Set to Launch a Metaverse 'Startup Accelerator'
Digital Fashion Designer Incubators
The SYKY Collective Represents the Future of Luxury Fashion
Weekend Excursion City Vehicles
The Playbox Urban Mobility Vehicle is Imagined for 2040
Raw Thought Organization Apps
The 'Memosa' App Turns Ideas and Rambling into Organized Text
AI-Powered Wellness Platforms
Gabit is a New AI Fitness and Skincare Platform for Consumers
IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons
This Traffic Beacon Concept Changes According to Needs
AI-Powered Content Creation Tools
Notega is a Solution for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
Eco-Friendly Telecom Companies
SK Group Showcased Over 40 Sustainable Technologies at CES 2023
Turtle-Inspired Sleek Automobiles
Mercedes Benz Presents a Look at the Vision iMobility
Car Rental Partnerships
Turo & Hopper Join Forces to Revolutionize Car Booking in Travel Industry
Aggregated On-Demand Service Apps
The 'finish'd' App Combines a Range of Services into One Spot
IoT-Powered Workplace Services
The Cisco-Meraki Smart Workspace Solutions Revolutionize Workflow
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Omnichannel Grocery Technologies
Instacart Launches the New Omnichannel Solutions for Grocers
AI-Enabled Product Creation
Off/Script Launches an App to Create and Buy AI-Designed Products
AI-Powered Transporting Software
Ontruck Launches AI-Powered Freight Management Solutions
Foodtech Support Initiatives
Rabobank is Accepting Applications for its 'FoodBytes!' Program
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
AI Startup Pitch Assistants
PitchBob.io Helps Entrepreneurs Refine and Hone Their Pitches
AI Fashion Apps
Rosetta AI Up & Cross Sells App Was Released on Shopify
Audio People Discovery Apps
The 'November' App Offers Users Five Audio Interviews Each Day
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Flying Umbrella Prototypes
This Hands-Free Device Hovers Above You to Protect From the Rain
Startup Applicant Tracking Platforms
The 'Briteloop' Platform is Built for Small Businesses
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
Social-Mobile Service Robots
Plato is a "Cobiot" That Supports Humans Across Multiple Industries
Financial Firm Travel Apps
Citi Partners with Booking.com and Rocket Travel to Launch Citi Travel
Beauty Shop Deliveries
Uber and The Body Shop Expand Partnership to Include 75 New Storefronts
Zero Code Development Platforms
Soba Raised $13.5 Million to Create an Accessible Creation Service
Eco-Friendly Transit Apps
Moovit Partnered with Lime to Deliver Electric Micro-Mobility Options
E-Bike Rideshare Programs
Drop Mobility is Launching Shift Bike in Several Cities
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
Apparel Brand Industry Expansions
'Reebok' is Expanding to Enter the Micro-Mobility Space
Recyclable Takeout Packaging Services
Uber Eats Begins the Reusable Packaging Trials in London
AI-Powered Beverage Dispensers
Pubinno Smart Tap Provides Perfect Quality for Draft Beer Systems
Automated Crypto Investment Apps
The Crypto Smartlife App Gets Investors Started in Two-Minutes
Battery Rental Services
Swobbee Launches an Online Marketplace for Rental Batteries
Locally Focused Visionary Tableware
IKEA's Design Lab Presents the New Products of Place Campaign
Youth-Catered Transportation Apps
Uber Introduces Teen Accounts in the Latest Update
Creator Economy Tool Directories
Creator Economy Tools Offer Over 1,000 Resources
Problem-Based Website Ideas
Painkiller Ideas Offers a Database of Real Consumer Problems
On-Demand EV Charging Stations
UZE is Emphasizing Convenience with Its New EV-Charging Service
UAE-Based Smart Taxis
UAE Residents Will Be Able to Call AI Smart Taxis Thanks to Hyundai
Eco-Friendly Aviation Startups
Ecojet Will Offer Hydrogen-Electric Flights With a Green Ethos
AI-Powered Wellness Delivery Services
'Localposh' Anticipates Products and Services for You
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
AI-Powered Business Discoveries
Yelp Unveils a New AI Assistant and 'Project Ideas' Feature
Innovative Accountant Conferences
Xerocon Focused on Insights on Small Businesses and More
Pet Care Fellowship Programs
Royal Canin and Leap Venture Academy are Uplifting Startups
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Business Idea Keyword Checker
Build the Keyword Helps Find Keyword for Optimal Traffic
Facebook Journalistic Initiatives
Meta Annouced the 'Meta Journalism Project' for Media Startups
Semi-Outdoor Foldable Wheelchairs
Robooter Brought Mobility Innovations Like X40 to CES 2024
Startup-Friendly Data Interpreters
Typper BI Helps Businesses Interpret Their Data
AI-Powered Marketing Strategies
The M1 Marketing Strategy Generator Will Build a Strategy
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
AI-Powered Freelance Services
Fiverr Helps People Co-Create with Artificial Intelligence
AI Business Consultants
15-Minute Business Plans Helps Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
iOS-Influenced Travel Apps
Uber’s Redesigned App Uses the Latest iPhone Features on iOS 16
Pocket Concierge Apps
The Scene Matches Users to Restaurants, Bars, Clubs & Cafes
AI Navigation Upgrades
Tmap Mobility Launches an AI-Powered Revamp for its Navigation App
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Kenyan E-Bike Programs
Uber Drivers in Kenya can Now Use an Uber-Branded E-Bike with Electric Boda
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Equality-Focused Algorithm Companies
FairPlay Launched the First Fairness-as-a-Service Product
Game-Inspired Electric Vehicles
Peugeot Designs the New Inception EV With Game-Like Steering
Trackable Package Return Programs
Uber Launches a New Package Return Service with Live Tracking
Highly-Personalized News Feeds
Microsoft Launches Its Own News Aggregator, Microsoft Start
AI-Boosted Enterprise Tools
The 'Innovation Assistant' Assists Ideation and Implementation
India-Based Investment Platforms
KoTak Mutual Fund Launches a Technology Fund for Investors
AI-Powered Influencer Searches
Vidovo Launches a Influencer Discovery Feature with AI Capabilities
Comfort-Focused Business Features
Uber Launches a Series of Features to Benefit Business Travelers
AI Elevator Pitch Generators
Elevator Pitch Uses AI to Create Personalized Entrepreneurial Pitches
Software-Defined Collaborative Vehicles
Google and Renault Work Together on a New Digital Car
Versatile Workforce Platforms
Neat Unveils a Large-Scale Expansion with its New App Platform
News Aggregation Startups
SmartNews Secures $230 Million in Funding to Compete with Apple News
Hospitality Neighborly Initiatives
Hotel Indigo Launches Neighborly Borrowing Program
Innovative Activity-Finding Apps
'We Outside' Helps Users Locate the Best Nightlife Activities.
AI-Enhanced Job Searching Apps
Simplify Leverages AI to Match Candidates with Suitable Positions
City Exploration Apps
Concrete is a Social Exploration App Inviting Users to Discover Their City
Accessible Commerce Engines
Ecommerce Platform Mason Seeds $7.5m as It Takes on the ‘Amazon Tax’
Flexible User-Centric Rideshares
Careem Introduces Flexi Rides to Bolster its Market Presence
Eco-Friendly Esports Initatives
Esports Insider Launches the 'Carbon Neutral Collective'
India-Based Refurbishing Brands
ReFit Global Sources Phones for Affordable Second-Hand Reselling
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Bid-Based Ride Hailing Services
The InDrive Ride Hail Platform is Now Available in the Us
E-Commerce Optimizing Platforms
Lily AI Use Algorithms to Help Retailers Improve Their Webstores
Streamlined Vehicle Rental Apps
The 'Nexus Connect' App Uses Text Recognition & Cloud Connectivity
Community Borrowing Apps
Borrow Encourages Neighbours to Interact and Share
Versatile Marketing Toolkits
Looper Insights Releases a Digital Marketing Insights Tool
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Warehouse Service Partnerships
SoftBank Debuts 'GreenBox' in Partnership With AI Company Symbotic