21 Business Ideas For Firmware Engineers [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?
We put together 21 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other doctor businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your deep understanding of hardware-software integration to develop AI-based solutions that optimize device performance. For instance, creating embedded AI systems for IoT devices could significantly enhance their capabilities and efficiency. By developing smart algorithms that predict and manage device behavior, you could offer value-added services to various industries, ranging from home automation to industrial control systems.
Moreover, you could explore opportunities in AI-driven predictive maintenance for machinery and electronics, reducing downtime and repair costs for businesses. As AI continues to revolutionize traditional sectors, starting a side business in this field could allow you to stay at the cutting edge of technology while supplementing your income. Dive into AI, and you might just find yourself leading the next wave of innovation in your industry.
How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)
LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.
2. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)
As a firmware engineer, starting a mobile app development business could be a natural extension of your existing skill set. Your deep understanding of software and hardware integration positions you uniquely to develop robust and innovative apps, particularly those that require seamless interaction with embedded systems or IoT devices. This could open up opportunities in niche markets where specialized apps are in high demand.
In addition to leveraging your technical skills, the growing demand for mobile apps across different industries means there are numerous avenues for monetization, from consumer-facing applications to enterprise solutions. You could create apps that enhance productivity, offer new gaming experiences, or optimize social networking interactions. Marketing and selling your apps will also allow you to tap into a rapidly expanding market, potentially supplementing your income or transitioning into a full-fledged business.
By combining your existing expertise with a strategic approach to development and marketing, you could build a successful mobile app development business that capitalizes on your technical strengths and industry knowledge. This entrepreneurial venture not only offers financial rewards but also provides the satisfaction of seeing your innovative solutions come to life on mobile platforms.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
3. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your deep technical knowledge to create a micro SaaS business that caters to specialized needs in your industry. By focusing on a niche market, you have the opportunity to develop highly customized software solutions that address specific problems encountered by your peers. This allows you to offer unique value, such as enhancing debugging tools, automating repetitive tasks, or improving system performance monitoring.
Starting a micro SaaS provides the chance to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business without the pressures of catering to a broad audience. You could initiate this venture by identifying a critical pain point in firmware development and creating a scalable platform to address it. Prioritizing customer feedback will be crucial in refining your product, ensuring it remains relevant and beneficial to your targeted user base, ultimately fostering a loyal customer community.
How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.
4. Start a two sided marketplace ($20.3K/month)
As a firmware engineer, you could consider starting a two-sided marketplace to connect specialized hardware developers with companies seeking custom firmware solutions. Your deep understanding of firmware and hardware intricacies uniquely positions you to create a platform that guarantees high-quality and vetted collaborations, ensuring reliable and secure firmware developments.
This business model scales well because the value of the platform increases as more developers and companies join—thanks to network effects. By focusing on a niche market, such as IoT device firmware or embedded systems for automotive applications, you could distinguish your marketplace from broader competitors and solve a significant pain point for both firmware engineers and companies in need of tailored solutions.
How much you can make: $100 — $100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Muver is a mobile app for gig workers allowing them to multi-app seamlessly between Uber, Uber Eats, Doordash, Grubhub, Lyft, Instacart, and more within a single app with over $270k revenue in the past 12 months.
5. Start an ecommerce plugin ($23.4K/month)
As a firmware engineer, venturing into the development of an e-commerce plugin could be an exciting and rewarding entrepreneurial endeavor. With your strong coding skills and familiarity with various software development practices, you could create plugins that enhance the functionality of e-commerce platforms. By developing features such as efficient shopping carts, robust payment gateways, or user-friendly product catalogs, you could cater to the growing demand for specialized e-commerce solutions.
Moreover, your technical expertise would allow you to create plugins that are not only efficient but also highly secure — a critical aspect for online businesses today. This side business would not only leverage your existing skill set but also open up new revenue streams by offering solutions that automate and streamline online selling processes. Such innovation can greatly appeal to businesses looking to save time and money, while also improving user experiences for their customers.
How much you can make: $117 — $54,999/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.
6. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)
As a firmware engineer, starting a cloud management software business could be a promising venture given your technical background and expertise. This opportunity allows you to develop software that helps companies manage their cloud resources efficiently, covering everything from data storage to security compliance. You'll be building user-friendly interfaces and robust backend systems that enable businesses to monitor and optimize their cloud infrastructure.
Diving into this field can be highly technical yet rewarding, meeting a critical need as more organizations migrate their operations to the cloud. The market potential for cloud management tools is immense, spanning industries like healthcare, finance, and beyond. If you're driven by solving complex problems and have a knack for software development, stepping into this growth industry could be the entrepreneurial opportunity you've been looking for.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Third Wave Analytics developed the world's first cloud-based and customizable LIMS platform on Salesforce, generating $330k monthly revenue from clients such as Ohio State University and Boston University School of Medicine while partnering with the University of California-Berkeley for a COVID-19 study; founder Savitra Sharma advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on clear objectives to meet their goals.
7. Start an email app business ($64.6K/month)
As a firmware engineer, starting an email app business could leverage your deep technical skills to create a sophisticated, efficient email management tool. By developing an application that streamlines email communication with features like intelligent filtering, prioritization, and AI-driven responses, you could address a pressing need in our digital age. Your background in firmware engineering equips you with the understanding required to optimize and fine-tune software for performance, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Given your expertise, you could focus on building an app that stands out from established giants like Gmail and Outlook by incorporating innovative features or exceptional UI design. This venture not only allows you to supplement your income but also offers the possibility to transition into a full entrepreneurial role if the business scales successfully. The growing demand for effective digital communication tools means there is significant potential to capture a substantial market share and make a meaningful impact.
How much you can make: $21 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.
8. Start a Fertilizer Distribution Business
As a firmware engineer, starting a Fertilizer Distribution Business could serve as a lucrative side venture, leveraging your analytical and problem-solving skills. You could utilize your technical expertise to optimize the supply chain process, such as employing IoT devices for inventory tracking and logistics, ensuring timely and efficient distribution of fertilizer. Given that the fertilizer market was worth $155.8 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow by 3.5 percent annually until 2025, there is a promising opportunity for stable business growth.
With an initial investment in a few acres of land, some equipment, and a truck, you could effectively enter this market and potentially scale it over time. Ensuring high-quality products and excellent customer service will be key to attracting and retaining a loyal customer base, leading to increased profitability. This venture could not only supplement your income but also allow you to diversify your professional pursuits, combining your technical background with entrepreneurial activities.
9. Start a planner brand ($18.8K/month)
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your technical and problem-solving skills to start a planner brand, tapping into a growing market for customizable organizational tools. This venture would complement your background by allowing you to design unique, tech-integrated planners, perhaps featuring QR codes for digital content or sections tailored to tech professionals.
Additionally, your attention to detail and project management experience would be invaluable in developing planner layouts that cater to the specific needs of target groups like students, professionals, or fitness enthusiasts. By diversifying your offerings with digital planners, stickers, and related accessories, you could create a comprehensive brand that appeals to a wide audience.
Starting a planner brand not only satisfies a creative urge but also aligns with the growing demand for personalized planning tools, providing a practical avenue for supplementing your income.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $50,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
10. Start a technology consulting business ($137K/month)
As a firmware engineer, starting a technology consulting business could be an excellent way to monetize your specialized skills and industry experience. With technology playing a crucial role in driving corporate strategy and success, many startup owners, who often lack an IT background, need expert advice to stay competitive and navigate technological advancements.
By leveraging your knowledge as a firmware engineer, you could help businesses solve critical enterprise challenges and drive innovation. Your deep understanding of embedded systems, software development, and hardware integration positions you uniquely to offer invaluable insights and solutions. This could provide a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or even become a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor.
How much you can make: $150 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.
11. Start a flower shop ($43.9K/month)
If you enjoy designing floral arrangements for special events like weddings or holidays, you could channel your creativity into owning a flower shop. As a firmware engineer, your analytical skills and attention to detail could be incredibly beneficial in the business aspects of running a shop, ensuring efficiency and success.
The meticulous nature required in firmware engineering translates well into crafting exquisite floral designs that touch people’s emotions. Moreover, the artistic break from your technical routine could serve as a refreshing and rewarding outlet, offering an opportunity to blend both your creative and problem-solving skills. By leveraging e-commerce and online marketing, you could also attract a broader customer base, supplementing your income while doing something you love.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Green Fresh Florals + Plants owner and creative director Carlos Franco explains how he built a unique, authentic, and profitable modern flower and plant shop in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood, growing from one employee to a $120k per month business through customer service, a focus on design, and a deep love for his craft.
12. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to venture into the data mining and analytics tools business. This business involves developing software that transforms raw data into actionable insights, a crucial asset for industries like finance, healthcare, and retail. Using your strong programming skills and knowledge of statistics and machine learning, you could create sophisticated tools that uncover patterns and trends within vast datasets.
With the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making, this market offers substantial growth opportunities. By providing businesses with valuable intelligence, you could help them make informed strategic decisions, thereby driving their success and transforming industries. Thus, starting a data mining and analytics tools business not only capitalizes on your existing skills but also promises high reward potential and industry impact.
How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)
Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.
13. Start a career guidance app business ($34.7K/month)
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a career guidance app that offers personalized advice, resources, and planning tools to help users navigate their professional journeys. Using your expertise in software development, you could design job matching algorithms, integrate resume improvement features, and provide tailored career recommendations based on individual skills, interests, and goals.
Starting a career guidance app business allows you to merge your tech-savvy background with a passion for career development, creating a solution that empowers individuals to make informed career decisions. By addressing the needs of users who feel stuck in their careers or are unsure about their next steps, you could build an app that meets them where they are and guides them to where they want to be. This entrepreneurial venture not only supplements your income but also offers the rewarding experience of helping others realize their professional potential.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $86,992/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 74 days (?)
Loopcv is a job search automation platform experiencing 15% monthly growth, offering solutions for bootcamps, universities, career coaches, developers, recruitment companies, job boards, affiliates, and companies looking to perform internal restructuring.
14. Become an author ($227K/month)
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise by writing and publishing books or articles that delve into the intricacies of firmware development. Sharing your specialized knowledge through self-published technical guides or educational materials could attract a niche audience interested in mastering firmware engineering concepts, thus providing an additional income stream through book sales and royalties.
You might also consider blending storytelling with technical insights, producing engaging reads that are both informative and entertaining. Traditional publishing could give you exposure and access to a wider audience, while self-publishing offers greater control over your content and marketing strategy. Establishing yourself as an author could open doors to speaking engagements or workshops, further supplementing your income and enhancing your professional reputation.
How much you can make: $200 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study follows full-time thriller and action-adventure author Nick Thacker who earns between $10k to $20k per month from writing, predominantly through Amazon Kindle Unlimited sales, and goes in-depth into his self-publishing strategy which maximizes sales and minimizes costs, such as developing a mailing list and utilizing print-on-demand services.
15. Build an iPhone app ($238K/month)
As a firmware engineer, leveraging your technical skills to develop an iPhone app could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time entrepreneurial venture. The iPhone is the most popular mobile device globally and has revolutionized how we interact with information and each other. By creating an app, you could capitalize on this massive user base to supplement your income or generate a significant revenue stream.
Given your expertise, you could develop innovative apps that stand out in the market by ensuring high performance and reliability—key aspects often overlooked in app development. With the ever-changing landscape of the iPhone app market, focusing on user experience and integrating unique functionalities could give your app a competitive edge. Whether it's a utility app, a new take on mobile gaming, or a tool that leverages your specific knowledge in firmware, the possibilities are vast and promising.
How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.
16. Start a fitness equipment company ($327K/month)
As a firmware engineer, starting a fitness equipment company could be a natural alignment with your technical skills and entrepreneurial spirit. You could leverage your expertise in embedded systems to design and develop smart fitness devices, such as connected treadmills, smart weights, or intelligent fitness trackers. By integrating advanced firmware into these products, you could offer innovative features like real-time performance tracking, personalized workout recommendations, and seamless connectivity with mobile apps.
Additionally, you could utilize your problem-solving skills to address common issues in existing fitness equipment, making your products more reliable and user-friendly. Whether running the business from a storefront or as an online service, your background in firmware engineering could give you a competitive edge by enabling you to create cutting-edge, high-quality fitness equipment. This could not only supplement your income but also position you as a leader in the fitness technology market.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.
17. Start a talent branding business
As a firmware engineer with a strong technical background, you could leverage your analytical skills and precision to start a talent branding business. In today's world, where personal image and professional reputation are invaluable, talent branding involves crafting and managing the personal brand of individuals in competitive sectors such as entertainment, sports, and corporate environments.
You could utilize your expertise in building an individual's online presence, creating consistent messaging, and fostering positive public perception. Your skills in content creation, social media management, and public relations will be instrumental in highlighting your clients' unique strengths and values. If you have a knack for storytelling and a command of digital tools, a talent branding business can provide a fulfilling and lucrative entrepreneurial path, allowing you to make a real impact one person at a time.
How much you can make: $550,000/month
Qnary founder Bant Breen built and grew the executive reputation management and talent branding solutions company, now with thousands of clients globally, with a monthly revenue of $550k by developing a tech-enabled solution that optimizes an executive’s online presence, generates thought-leadership content, and grows followers and engagement.
18. Start an eco-friendly fashion business ($11K/month)
As a firmware engineer, starting an eco-friendly fashion business could be a novel way to merge your technical skills with a cause-driven enterprise. Leveraging your expertise in technology, you could incorporate smart textiles and wearable tech that are both sustainable and functional. This venture would not only supplement your income but also allow you to contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting fair labor practices and zero-waste designs.
You could explore sourcing ethical materials and building transparent supply chains, applying your analytical skills to optimize and maintain these systems. By engaging with eco-friendly technologies, you would be at the forefront of an emerging market, creating high-demand, sustainable fashion products for conscious consumers. This business opportunity allows you to make a positive impact on the planet while exploring creativity beyond firmware development.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $17,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
KAHINDO is a sustainable women's luxury fashion brand that celebrates African fashion and promotes ethical work practices, with annual sales of $60k and wholesale clients like Rent The Runway.
19. Start a GaN chargers business
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to enter the growing GaN charger market, which offers innovative, energy-efficient charging solutions. Your understanding of embedded systems and firmware development would be invaluable in creating high-performance, reliable GaN chargers that stand out in the competitive market. Utilizing GaN technology, you could design chargers that are smaller, faster, and more efficient, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Furthermore, starting a GaN chargers business could allow you to diversify your income while applying your existing skill set in a new and exciting way. By focusing on the firmware aspects, you could optimize your products for better user experience, safety features, and compatibility with various devices. This venture could also offer opportunities for collaboration with hardware engineers and other professionals, expanding your professional network and enhancing your entrepreneurial journey.
20. Start an ice cream shop business
As a firmware engineer, you could leverage your analytical skills to efficiently manage the supply chain, optimize inventory, and even utilize IoT technology to enhance the customer experience in your ice cream shop. Imagine integrating smart sensors and automated systems to ensure your ice creams are stored and served at the perfect temperature. Such technological applications could differentiate your business and offer a unique selling point.
Moreover, your problem-solving capabilities could be invaluable in troubleshooting equipment and improving business operations, making the shop run smoother and more efficiently. This venture also provides a creative outlet, allowing you to experiment with unique, handcrafted flavor combinations that appeal to your community's tastes. Starting an ice cream shop could offer a satisfying balance between technical challenges and creative exploration, all while supplementing your income and providing a joyful service to your local area.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 730 days (?)
Founder of Ice Cream Factory Shannon Imler started her company with 10 total ice cream containers, and has since expanded to over 400 stores and opened a second location with a goal to hit $863.2 million in revenue, utilizing an effective social media marketing strategy and employee appreciation for success.
21. Start a startups course ($2.35K/month)
As a firmware engineer with expertise in launching businesses, you could channel your entrepreneurial mindset into creating a startups course. This educational program would teach aspiring entrepreneurs about critical elements like business planning, securing funding, marketing strategies, and scaling operations, equipping them with the tools to turn their business ideas into reality.
Imagine guiding others through their entrepreneurial journey, helping them avoid common pitfalls, and sharing the satisfaction of their success. Given the booming interest in entrepreneurship today, creating this course could be a lucrative side business or even grow into a full-time venture, carving out a niche for yourself in the expanding world of online education.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $3,500/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,540 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Stefan, founder of Martian, launched an online course called Mini Startups that sold over $1000 (11 pre-orders) before it even started, teaching how to build "mini" tech companies from scratch without requiring a technical co-founder.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
