How do I start an invention with no money?
Asked by: Veronica Muller | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)
You can create an invention with no money by focusing on free resources for validation, prototyping (using household items or free software), and IP protection (like a provisional patent application or NDA), then marketing your idea to potential licensees through networking and outreach to get them to fund development in exchange for royalties. Key steps involve thorough market research, building a basic prototype, creating a strong pitch (sell sheet/video), and targeting companies open to licensing, using free tools and online resources to minimize costs.
How can I invent something with no money?
- Take out a patent and licence it
- Approach an private investor to get funding
- Approach an institutional investor and create a company to exploit it
- Search for a government grant
- Take it to a company in the sector and partner with them
- Crowdfunding, such as kickstarter
What is the easiest thing to invent?
The "easiest" invention is subjective, but simple, impactful ideas often solve everyday annoyances, like the Frisbee (a flying lid), Post-it Notes (accidental weak glue used for bookmarks), or the Pringles Hook (reaching chips at the bottom). Easy inventions leverage common objects for new uses (smartphone stands from cardboard, storage from jars) or improve existing things (slap bracelets, microchip pet doors), focusing on practicality over complexity.
What is the easiest business to start with no money?
The easiest businesses to start with no money are service-based, leveraging your existing skills like writing, cleaning, pet-sitting, graphic design, or virtual assistance, using just a laptop and Wi-Fi to find clients through freelancing platforms or local marketing. Other zero-cost options include consulting, tutoring, dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or creating digital products like e-books, focusing on solving problems or offering expertise to build an audience and generate income without inventory.
Which business is 0 investment?
Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to offer services without any initial costs. Additionally, consider affiliate marketing, where you earn commissions by promoting other companies' products. Content creation on platforms like YouTube or blogging can also generate income through ads or sponsorships.
I have an invention idea, but no money
What business will boom in 2025?
Business ideas poised for success in 2025 and beyond
- Carbon accounting services for SMBs. Carbon reporting is quickly expanding beyond the Fortune 500. ...
- Reusable packaging company. ...
- Sustainable landscaping and lawn care. ...
- Home energy audit and retrofitting service. ...
- Green building consulting for commercial properties.
Can I sell my idea without a patent?
“You certainly don't need a patent [in order to sell], but in my experience, it's going to be a lot more attractive to a buyer if you have at least started the process of seeking protection for the idea or the invention,” says Dawn-Marie Bey, an intellectual property attorney in Richmond.
What are the 5 requirements for a patent?
To get a patent, an invention must meet five key requirements: it must be patentable subject matter, have utility, be novel (new), be nonobvious, and provide enablement (a clear description of how to make and use it) in the patent application. These criteria ensure the invention is a useful, original, and adequately described advancement in technology.
Can I patent an idea for free?
The Patent Pro Bono program was launched by the USPTO in 2011 to provide free legal assistance for patent filing to inventors who meet specific requirements. This program works by connecting qualified inventors with registered patent agents or attorneys.
What are the 15 accidental inventions?
15 accidental inventions that changed the world
- Play-Doh. sean dreilinger/flickr. ...
- Popsicles. heartaftergod/flickr. ...
- The Slinky. Inventor: Richard Jones, a naval engineer. ...
- Coca-Cola. unknown. ...
- Chocolate-chip cookies. Inventor: Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn. ...
- Potato chips. ...
- The Pacemaker. ...
- Silly Putty.
Where to start if you want to invent something?
How to Start Inventing: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Identify a Problem or Need. The first step in inventing is to identify a problem or need. ...
- Step 2: Research Existing Solutions. ...
- Step 3: Brainstorm Ideas. ...
- Step 4: Create a Prototype. ...
- Step 5: Test and Refine. ...
- Step 6: File for Patents. ...
- Step 7: Seek Funding and Partnerships.
What are common DIY mistakes?
5 DIY mistakes and how you can avoid them
- Underestimating Difficulty & Time Commitment. Two hours into a project isn't the best time realize it's beyond your know-how. ...
- Forgetting How to Reassemble. ...
- Not Locating Your Home's Power & Safety Components. ...
- Not Asking for Help When You Need It. ...
- Buying Ineffective or Wrong Materials.
How to get paid for an idea?
Approach a large company with your idea and back that up with a list of people who will pay for a delivered solution. If you present a solid case with paying customers, most large companies, like IBM, have people who can make an investment and prime a solution.
Why do 90% of startups fail?
Most startups fail because they build products nobody wants (lack of market need), run out of cash due to poor financial management, have team conflicts, or can't adapt, with many failures stemming from a lack of proper planning, market validation (product-market fit), and understanding customer needs before scaling. The main reasons often cited are no market need (42%), running out of cash (29%), wrong team (23%), and being outcompeted (19%), highlighting issues from building the wrong thing to poor execution.
What is the 70% money rule?
The 70% money rule typically refers to the 70/20/10 budgeting strategy, where 70% of your after-tax income covers essential living expenses (needs like housing, food, transport) and discretionary spending (wants like entertainment), while 20% goes to savings/investments, and 10% to debt repayment or donations, though these percentages can be adjusted to fit personal financial situations. Another use is estimating retirement needs, suggesting you'll need about 70% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your lifestyle.
What cannot be patented?
You cannot patent abstract ideas, laws of nature, natural phenomena, mathematical methods, scientific theories, artistic/literary works, mental processes, business methods, medical procedures, naturally occurring substances, plant/animal varieties, computer programs (in some cases), or anything purely for aesthetic purposes or contrary to public morals/policy. While discoveries themselves aren't patentable, new applications or processes involving them often are, provided they are novel, useful, non-obvious, and have a practical, technical application.
What is the rule 7 of patent?
Rule 7.
(1) The fees payable under section 142 in respect of the grant of patents and applications therefor, and in respect of other matters for which fees are required to be payable under the Act shall be as specified in the First Schedule.
Who cannot apply for a patent?
You (the inventor) or your legal representative may apply for a patent, with some exceptions. These include if the inventor has died, is legally incapacitated, refuses to apply, or cannot be found. Two or more people inventing something together may apply for a patent as joint inventors.
Can someone steal your idea without a patent?
Patents are not required for all inventions but they do protect against copying by others who would want to copy your idea without paying you money or getting permission from you first!
How much is my patent worth?
There is no exact method for valuing patents and other assets. The value of a patent is the economic figure that must balance between the risk perception of buyers and the opportunity perception held by inventors.
What did Elon Musk patent?
Elon Musk holds patents for early internet innovations like online mapping and business directories, while his companies, especially Tesla and SpaceX, have extensive patent portfolios in areas like electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and reusable rockets, despite his public stance against patents; he famously released Tesla's patents for open use but actively innovates and protects IP for his ventures. He has about 25 patents personally, but his companies hold thousands, covering innovations from AI for autonomous cars (like Tesla's Summon) to rocket technology.
What business can make $10,000 a month?
Businesses making $10k/month often involve high-margin services like digital marketing, web development, or coaching, scalable e-commerce (dropshipping, FBA), and digital products (courses, templates) that allow for automation or outsourcing, with examples including social media management, mobile detailing, freelance writing/design, or niche consulting. Success hinges on finding a scalable model, a strong niche, and effective marketing to attract consistent clients or sales, often leveraging online platforms.
What to sell to make money fast?
Resell used or vintage goods. Another way to make extra money is to sell secondhand goods. You can resell items no longer being used on a local buy-and-sell group or on Facebook Marketplace. Level up by finding great thrift items and reselling them on a vintage marketplace.
What is the #1 business to start?
Restaurants, gyms, and tech-related shops are just a few of California's best small business options. Determining which of these options is best for you ultimately depends on your skill-set, personal preferences, and general business trends.