25 Startup Ideas in AR/VR That Could Take Off
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have captured the imaginations of entrepreneurs and investors alike. These emerging technologies promise to revolutionize how we work, play, and interact.
While AR and VR have been around for decades, recent advances have brought them into the mainstream. 5G networks, improved hardware, and lower costs mean there are now huge opportunities for startups in these fields.
In this post, we’ll explore 25 exciting startup ideas spanning entertainment, gaming, training, marketing, real estate, healthcare, design, and more. Let’s dive in!
Entertainment & Events
Entertainment and events are set to be transformed by AR and VR. Immersive experiences are highly engaging for consumers.
1. VR Concerts & Festivals
VR can give music fans access to virtual concerts and festivals. Imagine attending Coachella from your living room! There’s scope for startups to work directly with artists and venues.
2. Interactive Theater & Comedy
VR lends itself well to more interactive forms of entertainment. Startups could produce VR theater, comedy shows, or improv where the audience can influence the performance.
3. Theme Park Rides & Attractions
Theme parks are starting to add VR and AR rides. However there is potential for startups to work with parks or create their own AR/VR attractions. Interactive multiplayer experiences are likely to be popular.
4. Immersive Cinema & Drive-In Theaters
Some cinemas are experimenting with VR movies. A startup could specialize in creating VR films or outfitting theaters with headsets. Drive-in theaters could also benefit from AR windshield displays.
Gaming
Gaming is predicted to be the largest and fastest-growing AR/VR segment. There are opportunities for startups targeting various gaming niches.
5. VR Social Casinos
Social casinos let players enjoy slots, poker, and other games online. Developing a virtual reality casino could attract new players by providing an immersive Las Vegas-style experience.
6. AR Game Studios
Dedicated AR game development studios don’t really exist yet. This could be a great startup niche. Companies like Niantic have proven the appeal of AR games like Pokémon GO.
7. VR Arcades & Amusement Centers
VR arcades with multiplayer games like laser tag have popped up in cities. A chain of branded VR arcades could help bring virtual reality gaming to the masses.
8. Mixed Reality Escape Rooms
Escape rooms, where players have to solve puzzles to exit a room, are hugely popular. Adding AR and VR elements could help create next-level immersive escape room experiences.
9. AR Tournaments & Events
E-sports tournaments are massive. A startup could focus on organizing professional AR gaming competitions and events. This could include games like Pokémon GO or AR titles for mobile or headsets.
Training & Simulation
AR and VR training makes learning more engaging, effective, and safer compared to traditional methods.
10. VR Training for Trades
VR training could revolutionize how trades like welding, electrical work, and plumbing are taught. Students could learn in virtual environments instead of just workshops. Programs are being tested but startup opportunities exist.
11. AR-Based Vehicle Simulation
Driver’s ed and pilot training can be enhanced with AR simulations. Startups could provide realistic hands-on learning without the risks. The military is already adopting VR for vehicle simulation.
12. Medical & Emergency Response Training
Doctors and emergency responders need experience handling stressful situations. AR and VR training would allow them to practice technical and soft skills in virtual clinics, disaster zones, etc.
13. Spaceflight Training
Training astronauts is expensive. VR simulations of spacewalks, landings, and spacecraft operations could make pre-flight training more efficient. NASA is already using VR, leaving room for startups.
14. Factory Operator Training
Skilled factory workers are in demand. VR instruction could teach manufacturing skills without running fully-equipped factories. Trainees could get experience operating real factory equipment hooked up to VR simulations.
Marketing & Sales
AR and VR enable more immersive and interactive marketing experiences. Startups have a chance here to help brands.
15. In-House VR Showrooms
Virtual showrooms could allow real estate developers, auto dealerships, or other retailers to showcase their offerings without needing large real-world facilities. Customers could browse properties or cars in VR.
16. AR Retail Apps
AR apps can enhance the shopping experience by letting users virtually try on makeup, clothes, and accessories. Apps like these exist but startups could work with retailers or malls directly.
17. Product Promotion & Demos
AR/VR promotion could allow brands to give potential buyers virtual demos of products. For example, an appliance startup could ship VR headsets to stores to provide at-home trial experiences.
18. VR Ad Platforms
VR provides a captive audience for advertisers. A platform connecting brands to VR content creators could help monetize games and experiences through native VR ads.
19. AR Wayfinding Solutions
AR navigation apps like Google Maps provide step-by-step directions in real-time using your phone’s camera. Startups could develop AR wayfinding specifically for campuses, airports, theme parks etc.
Real Estate
Real estate was an early adopter of VR and AR. Startups can enhance how properties are viewed, designed, and managed.
20. Interactive MLS Listings
The Multiple listing service (MLS) is used by realtors to list properties. Startups could partner with MLS providers to add AR/VR property previews, replacing photos for more immersive browsing.
21. VR Home Staging & Design
Instead of physically furnishing empty properties, VR startups could offer virtual staging. Homebuyers could then view proposed designs and layouts using VR headsets during showings.
22. AR Apartment Tours
Rental apartments could have AR maps providing self-guided tours. Prospective tenants could explore units, amenities, and grounds through interactive guides accessible on mobile devices.
23. Smart AR Mirrors
Smart AR mirrors are being tested in retail fitting rooms. The technology could also be used in homes or hotels, serving up information displays, entertainment, and even virtual shopping capabilities.
Healthcare
From training to treatment, VR and AR are transforming healthcare.
24. VR Therapy & Rehabilitation
VR simulations can help patients practice skills and movements during motor or neurological rehabilitation. The technology shows promise for everything from stroke recovery to PTSD treatment.
25. AR-Guided Surgery
AR headsets allow surgeons to see patient-specific anatomy and step-by-step guidance mapped directly onto the operating field. The overlays improve precision, efficiency, and outcomes in procedures.
Opportunities Abound
This just scratches the surface of the emerging possibilities for startups in augmented and virtual reality technology. As hardware improves and markets mature, AR and VR will become vital tools across industries.
Now is the time for entrepreneurs and developers to stake their claims. With creativity and insight, the next big AR or VR startup could turn niche ideas like these into mainstream businesses destined to shape the future. The possibilities are limited only by imagination.
So which of these ideas excites you most? Does your startup have what it takes to bring AR or VR to the masses? With a bold vision and sharp execution, the opportunity is yours for the taking. Let’s build the next reality together!
