YC recently released its Request for Startups. This morning, I decided to do my own. Here are the top 5 startups I want to see:

1. Easier Ways to Navigate Zoning. Housing costs in this country are obscene. Restrictive zoning is the main factor driving these costs.

I want to see founders use AI to make it easier to navigate zoning and construction permits. I met with one interesting company in this area recently, and hope to meet more.

2. Missile Defense. We are at enormous risk from nuclear missiles. New, hypersonic missiles could pose an even greater threat.

Existing missile defense systems are able to stop some projectiles, but not all. I’m interested in satellites, radar, and interceptors to stop incoming missiles.

3. Ways to Increase Fertility. Americans aren’t having babies. Our country’s fertility rate has dropped below replacement.

The same is true in most of the developed world. Even many developing countries are near or below replacement.

I’m interested in treatments that could help women have babies later. I’m also interested in other approaches, like apps to promote prayer. Religiosity is highly correlated with fertility.

4. AI Doctors. It’s no secret that healthcare in America costs a fortune. But what if we could make every doctor 10x more productive using AI?

Imagine chatting with an AI bot via voice. You explain your symptoms and medical history. The bot asks follow-up questions.

Afterward, the bot sends the information to the human doctor. This information includes the bot’s best guess as to diagnosis and treatment suggestions.

The human doctor can either approve or decline the recommendations.

Doctors would retain control. They’d just be way more productive.

5. AI Tutors. A couple of weeks ago, I was trying to learn how missile defense works. So I had ChatGPT Advanced Voice and Gemini Live tutor me.

My AI friends explained the basics of how missile defense works. I interrupted from time to time to ask questions.

In 30 minutes, I learned more than a typical college class taught me in several weeks.

We need structured courses that teach important skills using AI. Just as importantly, we need certifications for people who pass the classes. That way, AI tutoring can help people get better jobs.

Wrap-Up

When I look for investments, I like to start with identifying the biggest problems.

High housing, medical, and education costs are huge burdens on countless families. Declining fertility could weaken our country. And enemy missiles pose a perennial threat.

If we solve a big problem, we’ll be doing something worthwhile with our days. And we should make some money, too.

If you’re working on one of these 5 ideas, let me know!

More on tech:

Meet My Latest Investment: Querio

DeepSeek vs. Gemini Deep Research: Which Model Is King?

Early Stage Valuations Surge in New Report

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