Generate startup ideas from a real problem

The best way to create a startup is often to start from a concrete problem. This AI prompt allows you to explore realistic, creative, and actionable ideas from a simple starting point. By filling in a few fields, you get a prompt ready to inject into ChatGPT, Claude, or Notion AI to generate 3 to 10 business ideas around this problem.

When to use this prompt?

During the idea research phase before an entrepreneurial project

During a hackathon, bootcamp, or product sprint

To launch an activity solo or with a CTO

In startup coaching (coach, incubator)

For structured brainstorming

What this prompt helps you achieve

Clear and well-argued startup ideas

Structured inspiration by audience, sector, and problem type

Differentiating angles for each idea

Time savings in your brainstorming sessions

Tips and mistakes to avoid

✓Do's

•Mention a concrete target: "craftsmen" > "professionals"
•Dare to explore beyond your sector

✗Don'ts

•Too general: "I want an idea" → on the contrary, be precise about the problem
•Don't look for the "perfect" idea → look for the first leads to test

Prompt Template

This is the base template with placeholders. Replace the placeholders with your specific information:

You are an innovation and entrepreneurship expert. Suggest {{number_of_ideas}} startup ideas to solve the following problem: {{problem_description}}. This problem affects {{target_audience}}, in the {{market_sector}} sector. The ideas must be original, viable, and present a differentiating angle. Use a {{tone}} tone. {{additional_context_block}}

Placeholder descriptions:

{{problem_description}}Description of the problem to solve - e.g. Craftsmen have difficulty managing their appointments and quotes online.

{{target_audience}}Target audience - e.g. Independent craftsmen, parents of students, restaurateurs…

{{market_sector}}Business sector - e.g. Construction, education, restaurants, healthcare…

{{number_of_ideas}}Number of ideas to generate

{{tone}}Desired tone

{{additional_context}}Additional information (optional) - e.g. The ideas must be suitable for a small technical team.

Example of generated prompt

Here's an example with filled-in values:

You are an innovation and entrepreneurship expert. Suggest 5 startup ideas to solve the following problem: Craftsmen have difficulty managing their appointments and quotes online. This problem affects independent craftsmen, in the construction sector. The ideas must be original, viable, and present a differentiating angle. Use a creative and inspiring tone. Also add these details: the ideas must be suitable for a small technical team.

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