What to do if you have an invention idea but no money?

Asked by: Jacques Kirlin  |  Last update: February 4, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (30 votes)

With no money, focus on low-cost validation, like provisional patents and prototypes (even sketches/3D renders), then pitch your idea to companies for licensing deals (royalties) or seek partnerships, explore crowdfunding, or apply for grants; licensing to an established company is often the best path without capital, as they handle manufacturing, or find a partner with equity, warns a financial advisor. Avoid expensive invention submission companies that promise results for upfront fees.

How do I start an invention with no money?

Here are the steps for taking your idea forward when your pockets are (nearly) empty.

  1. Research competitive products, alternative solutions and patent records.
  2. Create a rough working prototype to validate the concept.
  3. Write a detailed description with drawings.
  4. File a provisional patent application.

What to do if you have an idea but no money?

Comments Section If you can't self fund, then you have three possible options; get a loan, get an investor, or depending on the idea you may be able to get a government economic development grant. DO NOT SHARE YOUR IDEA. it's not necessary to get support for getting funding or advice on building, testing your product.

How to get funding for an invention idea?

Let's look at five different funding options and a few things you should consider before moving forward.

  1. Private and government invention grants. ...
  2. Crowdfunding for inventions. ...
  3. Business startup or invention loans. ...
  4. Consider licensing your invention. ...
  5. Venture capitalists or angel investors.

What do I do if I have an idea for an invention?

Comments Section Start by writing down your idea in detail. Then, create a prototype or proof of concept if you have the skills. Next, research to see if similar products already exist and check for patents. Once you're sure your idea is unique, consider filing for a provisional patent to protect it.

I have an invention idea, but no money

43 related questions found

Can I just sell my invention idea?

Technically, yes, you can sell an idea to a company without a patent. However, this is where we circle back to entering into an NDA contract before sharing said idea, as mentioned previously. This would be your last line of defense to protect your idea, though, unfortunately, many companies won't enter into an NDA.

Can Chatgpt write a patent?

It takes in your prompt—what you type—and gives back a bunch of words based on patterns in the data it was trained on. That means if you ask it to “write a patent,” it can write something that looks like a patent. It can mimic the format, the tone, and even include some legal-sounding language.

What business can make $10,000 a month?

You can make $10,000 a month with businesses like digital services (social media management, SEO, consulting), e-commerce (niche products, dropshipping, flipping), skilled trades (mobile detailing, cleaning, landscaping with scale), or online content/courses (YouTube, coaching, Micro-SaaS), often by building recurring revenue, scaling with employees, or high-ticket services. Success hinges on leveraging skills, finding a niche, and effective marketing to reach the necessary client or sales volume. 

What is the $7000 government grant for individuals?

We hate to break it to you, but… there is no official $7,000 government grant for individuals in 2025. It's not real. Many of the articles circulating about the “$7,000 grant” are misleading or completely false, often designed to lure individuals into scam websites.

Is it true that 90% of startups fail?

Yes, the statistic that about 90% of startups fail is widely cited and generally accepted as true, though exact numbers vary, with some data suggesting around 90% fail within the first few years or by their 10-year mark, often due to issues like running out of cash, lack of market need, or poor management rather than just a bad idea. These high failure rates highlight common pitfalls like financial mismanagement, inadequate market research, and weak leadership, but also show that many failures are preventable with better strategy and execution.
 

Who do I contact with an invention idea?

InventHelp submits your idea to companies who have agreed to confidentially review InventHelp client ideas. InventHelp can refer you to an independent patent attorney for patent-related services. Through our Patent Referral Services, inventors have secured more than 10,000 patents.

What is the 3 month rule in business?

The "3-month rule" in business isn't one single rule, but a versatile concept emphasizing short-term cycles for realistic goal-setting, testing, and strategic focus, often seen in new job onboarding (learning curve), marketing (seeing results), or quarterly planning (90-day cycles for growth) to avoid overwhelm and ensure consistent progress over annual plans. It suggests giving initiatives, yourself, or new ventures about 90 days to gather data, adjust, and show initial traction before making major pivots or judging success. 

How to earn 1000 RS per day?

Many people in India earn 1000 rupees daily through content writing, freelancing, affiliate marketing, social media management, and online tutoring. In the beginning, your income may be low, but with consistent effort and one strong skill, reaching ₹1000/day becomes realistic within 30–45 days.

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.
 

Do inventors get paid?

Income varies widely based on factors like industry, licensing deals, and business approach. Inventors can profit through selling patents, licensing, manufacturing, or working under contract for companies. Success often requires market research, effective pitching, realistic expectations, and persistence.

What patents does Elon Musk hold?

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 is a 319 grant?

Overview. Through Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides states with funding to reduce nonpoint source pollution. North Carolina typically receives around $1 million for competitive funding of watershed restoration projects.

How to get free money if you're struggling?

If you're struggling, get free money or aid by contacting 211 for local resources, applying for government benefits (SNAP, TANF, unemployment), seeking grants from charities (United Way, Catholic Charities, Modest Needs), getting utility/housing help (LIHEAP, local councils), or accessing emergency loans from credit unions, plus consider selling items or doing gig work for fast cash. 

What not to say when applying for a grant?

When applying for a grant, avoid focusing on your organization's needs ("we need money to survive"), using jargon/buzzwords ("innovative," "game-changer"), making unrealistic promises ("eliminate hunger"), using weak language ("we hope to"), and failing to follow instructions or tailor your proposal to the funder's specific goals, as this weakens your case and confuses reviewers. 

What is the cheapest successful business to start?

Low-cost, high-profit business ideas leverage digital skills or local services, focusing on areas like online tutoring, social media management, freelance writing, digital marketing, dropshipping, virtual assistance, or niche cleaning services (e.g., mobile car wash, pressure washing). High-profit potential comes from low overhead (like no physical store) and scalable models (digital products, online courses), or by offering in-demand skills (graphic design, bookkeeping) where you can charge premium rates. 

How to turn 10K into 100K in 5 years?

Here are the most effective ways to earn money and turn that 10K into 100K before you know it.

  1. Buy an Established Business. ...
  2. Real Estate Investing. ...
  3. Product and Website Buying and Selling. ...
  4. Invest in Index Funds. ...
  5. Invest in Mutual Funds or EFTs. ...
  6. Invest in Dividend Stocks. ...
  7. Peer-to-peer Lending (P2P) ...
  8. Invest in Cryptocurrencies.

What is a good side hustle to start?

18 Side Hustles for College Students

  • Tutoring students online. ...
  • Selling stuff online. ...
  • Dog walking. ...
  • Flipping furniture. ...
  • Detailing cars. ...
  • Selling digital products. ...
  • Delivering food. ...
  • Blogging.

Who cannot be patented?

What inventions cannot be patented in India?

  • inventions being frivolous or contrary to public order, morality, public health, the environment, etc.
  • scientific discoveries.
  • mere discoveries of new forms of known substances.
  • methods of agriculture or horticulture.

What is the 30% rule in AI?

The 30% Rule in AI is a framework emphasizing that AI should handle approximately 70% of repetitive, routine work while humans focus on the remaining 30% of high-value activities requiring creativity, judgment, and ethical decision-making.

How to legally own an idea?

The short answer is: not directly. However, while ideas themselves are considered intangible and cannot be protected, there are ways to protect the expression or application of those ideas, including through copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and NDAs.