Top 9 Smart Home Trends & Innovations in 2023

The smart home industry is rapidly evolving, with automation and digitalization at the forefront. Today’s automated homes have a wide range of connected devices that create an ecosystem for homeowners. Startups and scaleups in the connected home industry are developing innovative solutions to provide homeowners with the ultimate home experience while prioritizing safety. Smart home connectivity, smart home security, personalized health management, and next-generation entertainment are among the significant trends in the smart home market. Additionally, many homeowners are incorporating robotics into their daily lives to automate mundane tasks. These trends are witnessing rapid innovation and development, shaping the future of smart homes.

Innovation Map outlines the Top 9 Smart Home Trends & 18 Promising Startups

In our in-depth research on the top trends and startups in the smart home industry, we analyzed a sample of 1,994 global startups and scaleups. This research provides data-driven innovation intelligence that helps inform strategic decision-making by offering insights into emerging technologies and startups in the smart home industry. Leveraging our Big Data and Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, which covers over 2,500,000 startups and scaleups globally, we’ve identified the top trends and startups shaping the smart home industry.

In the Innovation Map below, you’ll find an overview of the top 9 Smart Home Trends & Innovations that are impacting smart home companies worldwide. Additionally, the Smart Home Innovation Map highlights 18 hand-picked startups that are working on emerging technologies to advance the smart home industry.

Emerging smart home technologies

Top 9 Smart Home Industry Trends

  1. Smart Home Connectivity
  2. Smart Inhouse Security
  3. Personalized Health Management
  4. Smart Home Heating
  5. Next Generation Entertainment
  6. Advanced Lighting
  7. Intelligent Energy Management
  8. Sustainable Home
  9. Home Robotics

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 9 Smart Home Trends

Based on the Smart Home Innovation Map, the Tree Map illustrates the top 9 Smart Home Trends in 2023. Startups are developing technological solutions to enhance homeowners’ experiences. Smart home connectivity is a major trend within smart homes, enabling devices to become intelligent and operate within an ecosystem. In-house security is another key trend, focusing on preventing burglaries. Personalized health management addresses the individual health needs of residents. Smart home heating ensures efficient energy usage for heating, while next-generation entertainment technologies provide homeowners with entertainment options. Additionally, advanced lighting, intelligent energy management, robotics, and sustainable home solutions are all driving the smart home industry forward.

Global Startup Heat Map covers 1,994 Smart Home Startups & Scaleups

The Global Startup Heat Map provides insight into the global distribution of the 1,994 exemplary startups and scaleups that we analyzed for this research. The United States emerges as the largest hub for smart home technologies, followed by the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. These startups are at the forefront of driving innovation and shaping the future of the smart home industry.

Top 9 Smart Home Trends in 2023

1. Smart Home Connectivity

Communication between smart home devices is crucial for intelligent home control and operation. Wireless communication establishes a network of in-home devices, transforming a regular home into a connected one. Startups are providing various controllable solutions, including wireless mesh networking, communication technologies, and wireless protocols to achieve this.

SPARK develops Wireless Transceivers

Canadian startup SPARK has developed a high-bandwidth wireless protocol with ultra-low power consumption and ultra-low latency. This technology extends the battery life of electronics, enabling the operation of wireless devices such as sensors in smart homes. Read more about SPARK

U-Linc offers a Connected Devices Protocol

UK-based startup U-Linc offers a discovery and interaction protocol that enables secure connectivity with different IoT devices without vendor restrictions. This protocol allows for customized user experiences and various access rights for monitoring and control of home attributes like lighting, heating, and appliances. Read more about U-Linc

2. Smart Inhouse Security

As automation and connectivity technologies advance, new security challenges arise in smart homes. Smart inhouse security solutions utilize smart sensors and surveillance to prevent burglaries. Startups are developing motion, contact, and fire sensors, as well as presence detectors, to enhance home security. Cybersecurity plays a vital role in protecting homeowners and their embedded technologies.

DEN develops Smart Door Locks

Dutch startup DEN has developed a wireless, communicating door strike that integrates with other smart devices in the home ecosystem. Leveraging technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Z-Wave, their locks can be controlled remotely through a mobile app. DEN’s solution provides homeowners with access control and real-time notifications of home access history. Read more about DEN

Mitipi advances Home Security

Swiss startup Mitipi has developed Kevin, an AI-based virtual guard that simulates human presence when nobody is at home. Kevin uses realistic lighting effects and pre-programmed noises to create the illusion that someone is present. It also features geofencing technology to activate automatically when the homeowner leaves the apartment. Mitipi’s solution includes a smoke detector, motion detector, alert system, and air quality analysis. Read more about Mitipi

3. Personalized Health Management

Personalized health management incorporates innovative technologies to deliver care at home. This trend encompasses health monitoring, sleep tech, smart pet care, and smart health appliances. Smart health monitoring enables emergency detection, illness diagnosis, and fall detection, particularly benefiting senior or chronic disease patients. Sleep tech focuses on improving sleep quality, while touchless technologies offer contactless operation for increased hygiene.

Gense offers Home-Based Health Monitoring

Chinese startup Gense provides an affordable and portable self-help medical imaging device for in-depth health monitoring. The device targets early detection and chronic disease management for various organs. Read more about Gense

Cava develops a Health-Tracking Toilet

US-based startup Cava has developed a health-tracking toilet seat that provides a range of health measurements and recommendations related to gut health, heart health, hygiene, and fitness. The seat also includes a blood pressure check-up and EKG monitoring function, empowering users to optimize their lifestyles and achieve health goals. Read more about Cava

4. Smart Home Heating

Efficient heat management is a top priority for homeowners looking to maintain a comfortable living space. Smart home heating technologies allow for intelligent and selective heating, eliminating the need to heat the entire house. Energy-efficient alternatives and cost-saving solutions are key considerations in this trend. Programmable thermostats and smart water heaters offer control and automation of temperature settings.

Therm facilitates Heating Control

US-based startup Therm offers a thermostat for one-pipe steam radiators that controls how much steam enters the radiator by learning how the building’s boiler operates. Therm’s app allows users to control and set the in-house temperature according to their preferences. Read more about Therm

KOLEDA advances Home Heating

Swiss startup KOLEDA has developed an electric infrared heating system that allows users to adjust the temperature in every room according to their preferences. With wireless smart thermostats connected to KOLEDA’s app, homeowners have real-time access to temperature and cost monitoring. Read more about KOLEDA

5. Next Generation Entertainment

Customization and intelligent entertainment systems are key aspects of next-generation entertainment in smart homes. AI and AR-based furniture materials enable individual design of living spaces, while next-generation gaming offers immersive in-house gaming experiences. IoT video streaming, mood-sensing music, and virtual interactive displays contribute to the entertainment ecosystem that enhances relaxation and leisure time.

MirroCool develops a Smart Mirror Assistant

US-based startup MirroCool has developed a smart mirror that functions as a personal assistant, syncing with the user’s mobile phone. It displays the current date and time, traffic information, upcoming meetings and events, and can even detect motions and take pictures of intruders. Read more about MirroCool

iiRcade offers an Immersive Gaming Experience

US-based startup iiRcade has developed a next-generation arcade gaming console that combines retro and modern arcade gaming experiences. Supporting online and local multiplayer gaming, iiRcade offers a unique and cinematic arcade experience. Read more about iiRcade

6. Advanced Lighting

Advanced lighting solutions provide customizable light settings and remote control capabilities, eliminating the need for traditional wall switches. These energy-efficient lighting solutions offer automatic or wireless control via smartphones or smart assistants. AI-powered lighting allows for customizable light scenes, creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion.

Stak offers Customizable Smart Bulbs

Japanese startup Stak offers customizable automated smart bulbs with add-ons such as chargers, sensors, cameras, deodorizers, and bug repellers. Stak’s smart lighting automation solution enables full control of lighting and air conditioning, allowing users to program location and time settings remotely. Read more about Stak

EZVALO develops Multifunctional Lamps

Chinese startup EZVALO offers advanced home lighting solutions, including Bluetooth speakers, wireless phone chargers, and music players built into lamps. Their motion-sensing rechargeable wireless lights provide indoor illumination in dark areas while saving energy. Read more about EZVALO

7. Intelligent Energy Management

Smart energy management systems help control and automate energy usage in homes with multiple connected devices and appliances. Energy management appliances, such as load monitors and smart energy meters, provide insights into consumption and optimize energy distribution. These systems contribute to energy conservation, cost savings, and improved efficiency.

Emporia facilitates Energy Consumption Management

US-based startup Emporia develops innovative technologies for smart home energy management. Their system identifies and manages wasted energy, adjusts energy usage throughout the day, and provides actionable recommendations for homeowners to save money, conserve energy, and reduce emissions. Read more about Emporia

Moduly offers Energy Storage Optimization

Canadian startup Moduly offers a modular home kit for energy storage, allowing homeowners to expand the system according to their energy needs. Their intelligent app provides energy consumption analytics, recommendations, and predictions, enhancing energy resilience and reducing the risk of power interruptions. Read more about Moduly

8. Sustainable Home

Sustainability and reducing emissions are becoming increasingly important to consumers. Smart homes are incorporating renewable energy sources, sustainable materials, rainwater harvesting systems, and intelligent irrigation systems. These initiatives contribute to greener living and more efficient water usage.

CloudRain offers Smart Garden Irrigation

German startup CloudRain advances centralized smart garden irrigation with wireless solar-powered valves. Their technology automatically schedules custom watering timings for plants based on environmental conditions, optimizing water usage. Read more about CloudRain

Shunya develops Smart Solar Panels

Indian startup Shunya offers smart solar panels with a monitoring system that optimizes energy generation and tracks performance data. Their solution enables homeowners to bring their emissions and energy bills down to zero by harnessing the power of solar energy. Read more about Shunya

9. Home Robotics

Robots play a significant role in automating household tasks and transforming ordinary homes into smart homes. Advancements in artificial intelligence, IoT, and laser mapping technology enable robots to pick up objects, clean, and recognize and avoid obstacles. Home robots simplify tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and pet care, delivering convenience and assistance to homeowners.

Sunny develops a Robot Assistant

US-based startup Sunny offers an AI-powered robot assistant that self-educates and performs functions such as face-to-face conversations, integration with smart home devices, personal data analysis, and entertainment. Sunny’s robot leverages computer vision, sensors, and cloud computing, making it configurable for applications in homes, businesses, or industrial setups. Read more about Sunny

Coral Robots builds a Robot Vacuum Cleaner

US-based startup Coral Robots has developed a robot vacuum cleaner that utilizes computer vision navigation, allergen protection filters, and smart sensors. Their robots clean and reach difficult areas, removing allergens and providing a deep home cleaning experience. Read more about Coral Robots

Discover all Smart Home Trends, Technologies & Startups

These are just a few of the trends and startups that are shaping the smart home industry. Advanced lighting, personalized health management, next-generation entertainment, and robotics are revolutionizing smart homes, tailoring them to meet homeowner preferences and create the most comfortable living spaces possible. Connectivity enables the integration of emerging technologies such as AI, VR, IoT, big data, and advanced appliances, transforming ordinary homes into intelligent ones. Smart home security ensures the safety of homeowners and their embedded technologies. Smart energy management, sustainable homes, and smart home heating aim to reduce emissions and energy consumption expenses. Together, these solutions create an intelligent, connected home.

Please note that the Smart Home Trends & Startups highlighted in this report are just a fraction of the trends we’ve identified. If you’re interested in identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies for your business, get in touch with us to explore the startups, technologies, and trends that matter to you.