(We originally posted this in 2019. You can read more of our original ideas in our archive.)
Problem: With COVID19 sweeping across the globe, people are required to wear masks all day. While this is a positive to reduce the spread of the virus, one negative implication is muffled speech. There are also opportunities for live translation and voice amplification.
Solution: A business that designs smart, IoT-enabled masks. These masks would go beyond the class cloth mask to do more: filter particles, provide water, create live translations, amplify voices, and more.
There are some clear examples of this in a variety of contexts (i.e. this UV-powered smart mask, these 5 smart mask electric respirators, smart mask that translates into eight languages, and other FDA-registered transparent smart masks). Ideally these masks, while temporary for now, could potentially be sold to businesses or service companies as a way of offering better service opportunities to customers, tourists, and travelers who’s native language may not be the same language as the server or speaker.
Monetization: Selling these masks in the B2C or B2B context.
Contributed by: Michael Bervell (Billion Dollar Startup Ideas)