29 Business Ideas For Computer Hardware 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 29 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 platform ($402K/month)
As a hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop an AI platform that makes integrating artificial intelligence into various business operations more accessible. Considering the booming demand for AI technologies, there's a significant opportunity to offer tools that simplify data analysis, machine learning, and automation for companies without specialized teams.
You could create a platform that provides ready-made AI solutions, empowering organizations to optimize their processes, make informed decisions, and increase productivity. By bridging the gap between complex AI technologies and businesses eager to adopt them, you could tap into a lucrative market while utilizing your hardware and software development skills.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
A founder shares how he built AudioPen.ai, a tool that transcribes voice notes, generating $15,000 monthly with minimal costs and no paid marketing, highlighting the importance of focusing on the product, word of mouth, and personal communication with users for sustainable growth.
2. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)
As a hardware engineer, starting a micro SaaS venture could allow you to leverage your technical expertise to develop precise, targeted software solutions for niche markets within the tech and hardware sectors. You could identify specific problems that hardware professionals or tech companies face, such as improved diagnostic tools or specialized performance monitoring systems, and create software tailored to address those unique challenges.
By focusing on a micro-SaaS approach, you would gain in-depth knowledge of your customers' specific needs, enabling you to deliver highly customized solutions and foster close relationships with your clientele. This not only ensures that your product precisely addresses market demands but also increases customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Additionally, the micro-SaaS model is scalable, which means you could start small and gradually expand your business as you refine your product based on continuous customer feedback. This incremental growth can help you manage risk and ensure the long-term success of your entrepreneurial endeavor.
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.
3. Start a saas company ($296K/month)
As a hardware engineer with strong technical skills, starting a SaaS (Software as a Service) company could be a highly viable option for supplementing your income or even building a standalone business. Your understanding of complex systems and technical challenges would be invaluable in developing robust, high-quality software solutions that solve specific problems for businesses. SaaS companies are subscription-based, offering predictable and recurring revenue streams, which can provide financial stability.
With your background, you could create a SaaS product that includes features like project management tools, automation engines, or workflow designers—tools that are in high demand across many industries. The success of prominent SaaS firms, such as Salesforce, which generated $26.49 billion in recent revenue, demonstrates the potential profitability and growth in this sector.
By leveraging your technical expertise along with understanding the SaaS business model, you could launch a product that reduces IT costs and improves operational efficiencies for businesses, offering you both flexibility and high margins. This entrepreneurship path aligns well with the growing demand for cloud-based solutions and represents a strategic pivot from traditional hardware engineering roles.
How much you can make: $20 — $20,833,333/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
AI-powered web application, Excelformulabot.com, generates Excel formulas within seconds for a subscription fee of $6.99/month or free for five formula requests per month, resulting in $14k/month in recurring revenue since its launch in September 2022, accruing millions of visitors through word of mouth, influencer marketing, SEO, and PPC, implemented through no-code web application Bubble.io, while preparing to penetrate a B2B market and focus on B2B outreach in the future.
4. Start an innovation and technology co. ($1.99M/month)
As a computer hardware engineer, starting an Innovation and Technology Co. could be a highly rewarding side business or full-time venture. You could leverage your technical expertise to help companies integrate advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT into their operations. This not only enhances their productivity but also ensures they stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Your deep understanding of hardware and technology trends would allow you to craft bespoke tech solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs. By staying ahead of technological advancements and offering consulting services that streamline workflows, you would address critical business needs, creating a steady demand for your expertise. Passionate about problem-solving, you could find this business both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
UK-based Idea Drop is a software-as-a-service (SAAS) allowing businesses to identify, refine and execute innovative ideas through its platform, which is already being used by MT, Ericsson, and the Kent Police Force, offering a public challenge facility allowing clients to crowdsource ideas, with one Covea idea implemented via the platform estimated to save the company £2.5m over five years.
5. Start a tech talent platform ($852K/month)
As a hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a tech talent platform that connects skilled hardware professionals with companies needing specialized talent. This platform could offer a significant opportunity to supplement your income by facilitating transactions and services within a niche you are deeply familiar with.
Entrepreneurial-minded hardware engineers can benefit from their industry insights, creating a valuable service that efficiently matches employers with the right candidates. By understanding the specific demands and skills required in the hardware engineering field, you could design a platform that stands out, meeting the unique needs of both job seekers and businesses.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 133 days (?)
CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.
6. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)
As a hardware engineer, starting a business with a no-code platform could supplement your income and unlock new opportunities for innovation. Utilizing your existing technical background, you could develop custom applications and tools that complement and enhance the hardware products you already work with. This approach allows you to bridge the gap between hardware and software, creating robust solutions that meet specific niche demands.
With the intuitive, drag-and-drop interfaces of no-code platforms, you can bring your technical ideas to life without needing extensive programming skills. This not only saves you time but also allows you to focus on the unique aspects of your hardware expertise, potentially creating market-ready solutions in a fraction of the time. In an industry where digital solutions are in high demand, a no-code platform could quickly become a profitable venture that leverages your engineering skills in a new and exciting way.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $749 (?)
How long does it take to build: 85 days (?)
Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.
7. Build a chrome extension ($72.8K/month)
As a computer hardware engineer with a knack for programming, creating a Chrome extension could be a highly lucrative side business or a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. Given your technical proficiency, you could develop an extension that enhances productivity, integrates with specialized hardware, or improves data security—areas where your expertise can truly shine.
By offering a unique and valuable Chrome extension on the Chrome Web Store, you could either sell it directly or provide it for free while generating revenue through advertising. This approach allows you to leverage your existing skills in a new, innovative way, potentially providing a steady stream of supplementary income or even a primary business model.
Developing a Chrome extension not only supplements your income but also allows you to showcase your capabilities in a growing digital marketplace. It positions you to create tools that meet specific user needs, making your work both impactful and profitable.
How much you can make: $10 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 21 days (?)
SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.
8. Become a mobile app builder ($153K/month)
As a hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to build a mobile app builder, tapping into the growing demand for mobile solutions. A mobile app builder allows non-developers to create, customize, and publish apps effortlessly, making it an attractive tool for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists who lack coding skills.
By developing a user-friendly and scalable platform, you could enable a broad audience to bring their ideas to life, thus creating a steady revenue stream. The key would be to ensure robust support and continually update features to stay ahead in the competitive tech landscape.
This venture not only utilizes your coding proficiency but also places you in a thriving market with endless possibilities for growth and innovation. With the combination of your hardware knowledge and software development, you could break down technical barriers for many aspiring app creators.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Imaginovation, a technology and app development company in Raleigh, NC, was recently named one of the Top Technology Companies in North Carolina by Clutch and has grown an average of over 40% in revenue every year since it was founded in 2011 by co-founders Michael Georgiou and Pete Peranzo.
9. Start a beverages business ($1.79M/month)
As a hardware engineer, starting a beverages business would allow you to explore entrepreneurial opportunities while leveraging your analytical skills and attention to detail. You could create unique, high-quality drinks by focusing on the engineering aspects of beverage production, such as optimizing brewing processes and ensuring precise ingredient ratios. Alternatively, you could distribute popular brands, utilizing your problem-solving abilities to manage logistics and streamline supply chains.
Your knack for understanding complex systems could be applied to consumer behavior, enabling you to tailor products to market demands. Additionally, with your background in precision and quality control, you could ensure that every product meets high standards, thus building a strong reputation for your brand. This venture not only offers potential for supplementary income but also provides a creative outlet to diversify your professional portfolio.
How much you can make: $500 — $12,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
10. Start a wordpress maintenance services ($24.3K/month)
As a hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a WordPress maintenance service, offering valuable support to website owners who struggle with the technicalities of managing their sites. This involves handling crucial tasks like security updates, plugin and theme management, speed optimization, backups, and troubleshooting, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of WordPress websites.
WordPress maintenance services cater to a growing market of businesses and bloggers that lack the time or expertise to manage their websites, presenting a steady income opportunity through monthly service plans. Given your background, you could easily transition into this tech-oriented business, combining your technical skills with a model that offers recurring revenue and scalability by hiring a team or using automation tools.
Additionally, this business model offers the satisfaction of providing peace of mind to your clients, who will appreciate the stability and performance you bring to their websites. With the increasing reliance on digital presence, your services would be both relevant and in high demand.
How much you can make: $600 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)
Work Hero is a WordPress support and maintenance service that went from working with one website in December 2019 to 13 recurring customer sites today, earning ~$1470/month with most customers paying an unlimited fee of $149/month.
11. Start a microgreens production business
Starting a microgreens production business could be a lucrative venture for a hardware engineer seeking to diversify their income streams. The initial setup involves relatively low costs and can be managed with your technical precision, leveraging your problem-solving skills to optimize growing conditions and automate parts of the process. With a growing market for healthy and organic produce, microgreens offer a high-margin product that can be cultivated in small spaces, including spare rooms or urban apartments.
As a hardware engineer, you could utilize your expertise to develop custom growing systems, such as automated lighting and irrigation setups, ensuring efficient and scalable production. This business model allows you to maintain your primary career while building a side business, eventually offering the potential to transition into a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit if desired. Combining your technical background with a booming agricultural niche could lead to innovative solutions and unique market opportunities.
12. Start a data analytics software business ($454K/month)
As a computer hardware engineer, starting a data analytics software business could be a strategic move to leverage your existing technical skills and industry knowledge. You could focus on creating user-friendly analytical tools that address the specific needs of industries you are familiar with. For instance, you could develop custom reporting tools and dashboards that help clients visualize and interpret data, thereby aiding in their decision-making processes.
By concentrating on a particular niche or industry, you could tailor your software to meet the unique challenges faced by your target market. This ability to create specialized solutions not only sets you apart from generic software providers but also adds significant value to your clients.
Marketing your software effectively by emphasizing its simplicity, efficiency, and impact on decision-making could further enhance your potential for success. This approach allows you to build a profitable side business or even transition entirely into an entrepreneurial venture that capitalizes on your existing expertise.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
13. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)
As a hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop cloud management software, an essential tool as more companies embrace digital transformation. This software would enable businesses to efficiently oversee their cloud resources, from managing data storage to ensuring security compliance. Your engineering background equips you with the skills needed to design intuitive interfaces and robust backend systems, allowing companies to optimize their cloud infrastructure seamlessly.
The immense potential market spans various industries, including healthcare and finance, meaning your software could have widespread applicability. Stepping into this field, you'd meet a critical demand in a rapidly growing industry. If you're motivated to solve complex problems and possess a talent for software development, this venture could provide both a rewarding challenge and lucrative opportunities.
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.
14. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)
For an entrepreneurial-minded hardware engineer, developing a sales automation platform could be an exciting and profitable venture. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could create a software solution that streamlines and automates sales processes such as lead generation, customer follow-ups, and data management, freeing businesses from the grind of administrative tasks.
Integrating sales automation can enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and allow companies to concentrate more on closing deals. With your strong background in hardware engineering, you could also explore how integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices might enhance data collection and workflow automation within the platform, adding even greater value. Given the growing emphasis on digital transformation and operational efficiency, a well-designed sales automation tool could tap into a lucrative market and provide a sustainable income stream.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
15. Start a freelance marketplace business ($124K/month)
If you're a hardware engineer with entrepreneurial aspirations, starting a freelance marketplace business could be a promising venture. As the freelancing economy grows, there's a rising demand for platforms that connect companies with skilled professionals for short-term projects or specialized tasks. With your technical expertise, you could create a niche marketplace focused on hardware engineering, allowing you to leverage your industry knowledge to design a user-friendly and efficient platform.
In this venture, you could help clients find top-tier hardware engineers for their projects while earning a commission on each contract formed. Your background in hardware engineering gives you insight into the specific needs and challenges of the industry, enabling you to tailor the platform's features and services to best serve both freelancers and clients.
By capitalizing on this growing trend, you can diversify your income stream and potentially build a thriving business that supports the evolving workforce preferences. This business model not only complements your skill set but also taps into an expanding market with significant growth potential.
How much you can make: $100 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Flexiple is a customer-funded profitable business, generating $80K in gross monthly revenues on an average over the last 6-months, driven by their focus on connecting high-quality freelancers with companies looking for reliable and remote talent, while continuously iterating on their business model and expanding into complementary areas like tech hiring and content marketing.
16. Start a web graphics design business
As a hardware engineer, starting a web graphics design business could be a logical extension of your existing skillset and interests. This venture allows you to combine your technical expertise with a creative outlet, designing visually compelling graphics for websites and helping brands establish strong online identities. You could leverage your familiarity with technology to use tools like Adobe Creative Suite, creating logos, full site designs, and more.
This business could be highly in demand as companies increasingly focus on their online presence. Furthermore, it offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, making it an ideal side hustle or even a primary business venture if you’re looking to pursue your artistic passions more seriously. By effectively networking and marketing your skills, you could build a profitable enterprise that complements your engineering background.
How much you can make: $12,000/month
Founder Sunil Aggarwal started VecRas in 2007, a digital design company that provides Vinyl Ready Vector cut file templates for skins and Smart PSD mockups for mobile devices, which initially did $1,000 per month and now expects $20,000 - $30,000 per month with customers growing nationwide.
17. Start a sports and entertainment platform
As a hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to start a successful sports and entertainment platform. Given the profitability of these industries, you have various avenues to explore, such as developing a sports prediction platform that utilizes sophisticated algorithms for enhanced predictive analytics. Your strong background in hardware could enable you to create robust, scalable systems and integrate advanced technologies, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Alternatively, you could consider launching a sports-related merchandise distribution business, capitalizing on your understanding of supply chain logistics and hardware technologies to manage inventory efficiently. By bridging the gap between brands, players, and fans, you could not only generate a substantial supplementary income but also create a thriving community where meaningful relationships flourish. This blend of technical skill and business acumen positions you well for success in the dynamic sports and entertainment sectors.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Esports management software company ggCircuit has doubled its revenue every year since inception and amassed $4 million in revenue in the past year alone, while offering services to over 700 customers globally and projecting double that in revenue over the next 12 months.
18. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)
As a hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise and analytical skills to start a B2B lead generation service. This venture involves identifying potential business clients for other companies and establishing initial contact to foster potential deals. By utilizing your proficiency in research and data analysis, you could effectively build and manage a pipeline of high-quality leads.
The demand for B2B lead generation services is consistently high, as every business needs a steady flow of prospects to grow. Your ability to understand and use technology tools can significantly enhance your lead generation strategies. This scalability and constant need for quality leads make it an attractive side business or even a primary business opportunity, allowing you to supplement your income while making a notable impact in the business world.
How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.
19. Start a mobile drug testing business
As a computer hardware engineer, you could leverage your analytical and problem-solving skills to start a mobile drug testing business. With a penchant for meticulous work and understanding complex systems, you could efficiently manage the logistics and technical requirements of traveling to various client locations to conduct drug tests. Your detail-oriented nature will be beneficial in ensuring accuracy and compliance with local regulations, which is crucial in this field.
By transitioning into this business, you could diversify your income streams while building a service that is increasingly in demand by workplaces, schools, and event organizers. Starting this business on a budget involves acquiring drug testing kits, the necessary paperwork, and a reliable vehicle, which are manageable initial investments. Your engineering background could also come in handy when streamlining processes and implementing efficient data management systems, making your mobile drug testing service both reliable and effective for your clients.
20. Start a sewing pet clothes
If you're a hardware engineer aiming to diversify your income, sewing pet clothes could be a unique and profitable venture. The pet wearables market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, a trend that experts foresee continuing. As a hardware engineer, your analytical skills and attention to detail will be invaluable when designing and sewing functional and fashionable pet clothes.
Moreover, this side business allows you to tap into a booming market while leveraging your precision-oriented mindset to create high-quality products. It provides an excellent opportunity to apply your problem-solving and design skills in a different context, blending tech-savvy expertise with creativity. A pet clothes sewing business could not only supplement your income but also offer a rewarding creative outlet.
21. Develop a seo software ($67.8K/month)
As a computer hardware engineer, branching out into developing SEO software could open up lucrative entrepreneurial opportunities by leveraging your technical skill sets in coding and system optimization. SEO software not only helps websites gain visibility by optimizing content and managing backlinks, but it also requires a keen understanding of algorithms and performance metrics, areas where hardware engineers often excel.
You could design features that collect and analyze data, enabling users to maximize search engine traffic effectively. Additionally, the insights gained from user interactions can help you continually improve the software, making it even more valuable. By integrating your expertise in hardware and software systems, you can create a unique, high-performing product that meets a growing demand in the digital marketing space.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $220,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Solo founder Todd Hooper bootstrapped Prerender.io from zero to $2.5 million in ARR over 5 years by releasing an open-source project on Github and turning it into an SEO-friendly version of React, Angular, and Javascript websites, and then offering it as a SaaS service for businesses.
22. Start a 3D car printing business
As a computer hardware engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to delve into the innovative field of 3D car printing. By understanding complex design software and hardware intricacies, you could design and produce intricate car parts with high precision, filling a niche market for custom and replacement parts that traditional manufacturing cannot easily replicate.
Entrepreneurial opportunities abound in this industry, where rapid prototyping and localized production could significantly reduce costs and lead times. By starting a 3D car printing business, you could cater to automotive enthusiasts and professionals seeking bespoke components, thus supplementing your income and potentially transforming your side venture into a full-fledged enterprise.
Your engineering background would be crucial in ensuring the high quality and durability of printed parts, giving you a competitive edge in this emerging market.
23. Start a fishing products review business
For entrepreneurial hardware engineers, starting a fishing products review business could be a lucrative and enjoyable side venture. Your technical skills would enable you to evaluate and assess fishing gadgets, electronic fish finders, and other high-tech equipment, providing in-depth reviews that are more credible and valuable to potential buyers.
Additionally, you could leverage your existing knowledge of engineering to dissect the mechanics and durability of traditional fishing gear. This venture not only allows you to monetize your analytical expertise but also provides a refreshing break from routine work, blending your technical acumen with a passion for outdoor activities.
24. Start a digital services business ($299K/month)
As a computer hardware engineer, starting a digital services business could be an excellent way to diversify your income and utilize your technical expertise. Consider offering specialized services like hardware consulting, custom PC builds, or even creating online tutorials and courses focused on hardware design and optimization. The low overhead and ability to work remotely mean you could operate this business alongside your current job, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
By leveraging platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, you could easily connect with clients who value your specialized knowledge. There's substantial potential for scaling your business; as demand grows, you could build a team of freelancers to take on larger projects. This not only maximizes your earning potential but also provides a flexible, self-directed career path aligned with your skills and interests.
How much you can make: $15,500 — $1,766,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
A 25-year-old entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a property marketing agency, with a current monthly income of $18,000/month, and divulges the importance of having a niche and going all-in on client results and experience.
25. Start a Podcast
As a computer hardware engineer, starting a podcast could be a fantastic side business or additional income stream. You could create engaging and informative episodes discussing the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in hardware engineering. With your expertise, you could cover topics such as emerging technologies, hardware troubleshooting tips, and product reviews, which could attract a dedicated audience of tech enthusiasts and fellow professionals.
Given the low initial investment required to start a podcast, it is a highly accessible venture. Once you establish a solid listener base and your episodes consistently reach around 10,000 downloads, you could monetize through sponsorships, ads, and affiliate marketing, potentially earning an additional $500 to $900 per episode. This approach not only supplements your income but also enhances your professional credibility and expands your network within the industry.
26. Start a software business ($209K/month)
As a computer hardware engineer, starting a software business could be a great way to supplement your income or even establish a full-fledged company. Your deep understanding of hardware systems provides a unique perspective in developing specialized software tools, such as diagnostic applications, performance optimization programs, or device drivers that cater specifically to hardware applications. This expertise positions you well to identify gaps in the software market that others might overlook, giving you a competitive edge.
Additionally, you could leverage your industry connections to build enterprise-level solutions for hardware interfacing and integration, areas often underserved by existing software products. By creating software that complements hardware, you could innovate workflows and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hardware systems, thereby adding substantial value for your clients. This confluence of software and hardware know-how could open up lucrative opportunities in sectors like IoT, embedded systems, and robotics, enabling you to turn your technical skillset into a profitable business venture.
How much you can make: $350 — $4,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.
27. Start a tech blog ($91.6K/month)
As a hardware engineer, starting a tech blog could be an excellent way to supplement your income and potentially develop a full-fledged side business. Leveraging your in-depth industry knowledge, you could provide insightful commentary on the latest technology trends, review new products, and share expert opinions on industry news, attracting a dedicated readership over time.
With strong writing skills and a firm grasp of emerging tech trends, your blog could serve as a trusted resource for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. By consistently delivering high-quality content, you could eventually monetize your blog through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing, with the potential to earn around $37,073 per year, based on industry averages.
Transitioning your expertise into blog content might not only be financially rewarding but also position you as a thought leader in your field, creating further professional opportunities.
How much you can make: $150 — $700,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $275 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Seedtable is an authentic weekly newsletter on European tech, business, and politics, with 10,000+ subscribers and 50,000+ monthly visitors to its startup rankings, providing an insight into the European tech industry for investors, founders, and employees of leading Euorpean tech companies and funds.
28. Start an online marshmallow business
As a hardware engineer, starting an online marshmallow business could offer a unique and creative way to supplement your income. You could leverage your problem-solving skills and attention to detail to develop unique marshmallow recipes and custom designs for special occasions, setting your products apart in a niche market.
By focusing on quality ingredients and a strong online presence, you could build a brand that delights customers and creates a loyal following. The low overhead cost makes it feasible as a side business, allowing you to explore your entrepreneurial spirit without significant risk.
How much you can make: $108,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $101 (?)
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
XO Marshmallow, the premier gourmet marshmallow company and home of the first marshmallow café, discusses how they became the leader in their market by creating a compelling lifestyle brand primarily through social media and organic traffic, leading them to do $1.5 million in sales last year with continued YoY growth ranging from 25-300%.
29. Create a social media scheduling tool ($119K/month)
As a hardware engineer with a knack for problem-solving and a technical background, you could leverage your skills to create a robust social media scheduling tool. The demand for such tools is high, given that virtually all businesses utilize social media to engage with their audience. By developing a user-friendly and efficient scheduling app, you could tap into this lucrative market and supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged business.
Your expertise in hardware could ensure the tool operates smoothly across various devices and platforms, offering a seamless user experience. Moreover, your analytical skills would be invaluable in identifying unique needs within the market and optimizing the tool's performance. This venture not only aligns with your technical strengths but also presents a promising opportunity for entrepreneurial growth.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
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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.
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