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Requests for startups

Problems we want solved.

Every month we publish the startups we’d love to see built. Use them as a starting point, a challenge or a reason to apply — ideas are welcome from every corner of tech.

Apply now
  • New requests monthly
  • Any team can take one on
  • Mention it when you apply

Watch

This month’s requests, explained

Atlas walks through what we’re looking for, why now, and what a great application looks like.

What is an RFS?
A Request for Startups is a problem we believe is worth a company — big enough to matter, specific enough to start this month.
Why we publish them
Most great ideas are hiding in plain sight. We point at the ones we’d back, so ambitious builders know where to aim.
Do I have to pick one?
No. Bring your own idea anytime. An RFS is a starting point — not a requirement.

Requests for startups

Ideas we want built.

On the first of every month we publish the problems we’d love to see teams take on. No idea yet? Start here. Already building one of these? Even better.

New requests on the 1st of every month

This month

September2026

RFS 001 · 6 requests

  1. 01

    AI agents for the back office

    Invoicing, compliance, scheduling and admin still eat small businesses alive. Build the agent that just does it.

    AISaaSRead the request
  2. 02

    Robotics for small operators

    Automation is built for giant factories. We want affordable robotics for small warehouses, labs and kitchens.

    RoboticsHardwareRead the request
  3. 03

    Better student infrastructure

    Housing, careers, study, money — student life runs on broken tools. Fix one properly.

    ConsumerEdtechRead the request
  4. 04

    Health data you can act on

    People track everything and understand nothing. Turn personal health data into decisions.

    HealthtechAIRead the request
  5. 05

    Energy savings with a payback

    Software that cuts energy bills for homes and small businesses — and proves it in pounds, not promises.

    ClimateSoftwareRead the request
  6. 06

    Vertical software for forgotten trades

    Builders, logistics, hospitality: huge markets still running on paper and WhatsApp. Build their operating system.

    SaaSMobileRead the request

Taking one on? Open the request and hit “Build this” — we’ll attach it to your application.

Build one with us

How it works

From request to company.

01

Pick a request

Choose a problem that genuinely excites you — or one you’re already close to.

02

Apply and mention it

Tell us the RFS number and your angle in your application. Solo or team.

03

Build it with us

Selected founders build and pitch it through the intensive — the best get backed by TBN.

Ready to build? Apply now.

Five minutes. No CV. Every application is read by the founders.