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Y Combinator (YC), the world’s most influential startup accelerator, has a remarkable track record of shaping the future of innovation. Since its launch in 2005, YC has backed over 4,000 startups with a combined valuation exceeding $600 billion. Some of the most iconic companies of our time—Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Coinbase, DoorDash, Reddit—all started with YC’s support.
One of the most interesting ways YC inspires entrepreneurs is through its “Requests for Startups” (RFS). Instead of waiting for founders to bring random ideas, YC publishes a list of the biggest problems and opportunities in the world and encourages entrepreneurs to build startups around them.
As we move into 2025, YC’s RFS highlights urgent global challenges and powerful new technologies that can shape the next decade. This article will break down what RFS is, why it matters, and the big startup opportunities in 2025 that YC wants the world’s innovators to pursue.
What Are Requests for Startups (RFS)?
The Requests for Startups is YC’s way of saying:
“Here are areas where the world needs innovation. If you’re building in these spaces, we want to support you.”
It’s not a strict rule—startups outside these areas also get accepted—but RFS provides direction and inspiration for entrepreneurs who are passionate about solving big problems.
Think of it like a roadmap: YC highlights the problems, and founders bring the creativity, execution, and vision to solve them.
YC’s Big Startup Opportunities for 2025
So, what does YC believe are the biggest opportunities right now? Let’s dive into the main categories.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Developer Tools
2023–2024 proved that AI isn’t just hype—it’s a revolution. From ChatGPT to AI-driven design tools, startups have shown that AI can transform almost every industry. YC now wants founders to push the boundaries even further.
Opportunities in AI:
- AI for specific industries: healthcare (diagnostics, drug discovery), law (contract review), finance (fraud detection), education (personalized tutoring).
- AI infrastructure: platforms that make AI faster, safer, and more affordable.
- Developer productivity: tools that help programmers code, test, and debug better.
💡 Example: GitHub Copilot is an early success, but the next big wave could be AI-powered debugging platforms, low-code tools, or enterprise AI copilots.
2. Healthcare & Biotech
The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear: healthcare innovation is not optional—it’s essential. YC is calling for startups that make healthcare more affordable, accessible, and personalized.
Opportunities in Healthcare:
- Affordable diagnostics: portable and low-cost testing devices for early disease detection.
- Longevity research: startups working on anti-aging, cellular regeneration, and healthier lifespans.
- Chronic disease management: tech-enabled platforms for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer care.
- Mental health: accessible therapy tools, AI-based counseling, and wellness apps.
- Women’s health: solutions addressing gaps in reproductive health, pregnancy, and menopause care.
💡 Example: 23andMe pioneered consumer genetics. The next generation could bring personalized medicine for everyone at home.
3. Climate Tech & Energy
YC believes climate change is the biggest problem of our time. In 2025, startups working on clean energy, sustainability, and carbon reduction are more important than ever.
Opportunities in Climate Tech:
- Renewable energy breakthroughs: solar, wind, nuclear fusion, and next-gen batteries.
- Carbon capture & storage: scalable technologies to reverse emissions.
- Green manufacturing: eco-friendly alternatives for cement, steel, plastics.
- Sustainable agriculture: precision farming, lab-grown meat, and vertical farming.
- Water management: desalination, recycling, and smart irrigation.
💡 Example: Tesla led the EV movement. The next Tesla could be a startup making affordable green hydrogen or low-cost battery recycling.
4. Education Technology (EdTech)
The world has millions of learners but not enough good teachers. YC sees a huge opportunity in making education personalized, scalable, and affordable.
Opportunities in EdTech:
- AI tutors: personalized learning assistants for every student.
- Skill training platforms: teaching coding, AI, and digital skills at scale.
- Global access: low-cost education platforms for developing countries.
- Gamified learning: interactive platforms that make learning fun.
💡 Example: Duolingo gamified language learning. What if the next big EdTech startup gamified STEM education or coding?
5. FinTech & Global Payments
Billions of people worldwide still don’t have access to modern financial tools. YC wants startups to fix this by building inclusive financial infrastructure.
Opportunities in FinTech:
- Digital banking for underserved communities.
- Crypto & DeFi infrastructure for global transactions.
- Cross-border payments that are fast and affordable.
- Fraud prevention & cybersecurity in finance.
💡 Example: Stripe transformed online payments. The next Stripe might solve global remittances or decentralized identity verification.
6. Frontier Technology & Robotics
YC always bets on moonshot technologies—the ones that seem like science fiction today but become reality tomorrow.
Opportunities in Frontier Tech:
- Quantum computing applications: beyond theory, into real-world problem solving.
- Robotics: automation in healthcare, warehouses, and homes.
- Space exploration: satellites, rockets, and asteroid mining startups.
- Synthetic biology: engineering organisms for medicine, food, and materials.
💡 Example: SpaceX revolutionized rockets. YC wants founders to build the next wave of frontier-tech startups that will shape humanity’s future.
Why This Matters to Entrepreneurs?
YC’s RFS isn’t just a wishlist—it’s a blueprint for the next decade of innovation.
For entrepreneurs, this means:
- Direction: You don’t need to guess what industries matter most—YC is pointing you toward them.
- Validation: These problems are massive, urgent, and backed by global demand.
- Impact: Solving them doesn’t just build a startup—it changes the world.
Final Thoughts
Y Combinator’s Requests for Startups in 2025 highlight opportunities across AI, healthcare, climate, fintech, education, and frontier tech. These are not just “trends” — they are the defining challenges of our time.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to launch a startup, the time is now. The problems are clear, the opportunities are massive, and the tools have never been more accessible.
The next Airbnb, Stripe, or OpenAI is out there waiting to be built. Maybe it’s your idea.
