1. Smart Home Connectivity Efficient communication among smart home devices is a cornerstone of intelligent home control and operation. Wireless communication forms a network of interconnected in-home devices, transforming ordinary residences into smart, interconnected homes. To achieve this, various startups offer customizable solutions encompassing wireless mesh networking, communication technologies, and wireless protocols.

Canadian startup SPARK, for instance, pioneers high-bandwidth wireless protocols with ultra-low power consumption and minimal latency. These technologies are crucial for enabling intelligent home operations by extending the battery life of electronics and supporting battery-less operation in wireless devices like sensors, especially when paired with energy harvesting technologies.

UK-based startup U-Linc offers a discovery and interaction protocol that fosters interoperability, allowing secure connectivity with various IoT devices. This protocol provides users with customizable experiences and access rights for controlling home attributes like lighting, heating, and appliances.

2. Smart In-house Security The rise of automation and connectivity in smart homes brings about new security challenges. Innovative solutions are being developed by startups, incorporating smart sensors and surveillance to deter break-ins. Notably, these advancements are complemented by cybersecurity measures to safeguard homes against both physical and online threats.

Dutch startup DEN, for example, specializes in wireless, communicating door strikes. Leveraging smart home connectivity technologies, it interacts with other smart devices within the home ecosystem using technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Z-Wave. These locks can be remotely controlled via a mobile app, allowing homeowners to grant access to specific individuals during specific times.

Swiss startup Mitipi introduces Kevin, an AI-based virtual guard that simulates human presence in unoccupied homes. It uses realistic lighting effects and pre-programmed sounds to mimic everyday activities. This technology includes features such as a smoke detector, motion detector, alert system, and air quality analysis.

3. Personalized Health Management The healthcare industry is witnessing a surge in products designed for individualized health management. Personalized health management encompasses a range of innovative technologies to deliver care within the home environment. These technologies cover health monitoring, sleep tech, smart pet care, and smart health appliances. They enable emergency detection, illness diagnosis, fall detection, sleep tracking, and improved health habits, with a particular focus on senior or chronic disease patients.

Chinese startup Gense offers an affordable and portable self-help medical imaging device that facilitates in-depth health monitoring and preventive screening at home without requiring medical training. This device targets early detection and management of chronic diseases related to vital body organs.

US-based startup Cava introduces a health-tracking toilet seat, capable of monitoring various health measurements, providing a daily waste analysis, and offering a smart food diary. Additionally, the seat includes features like a daily blood pressure check-up and heart rate monitoring. The accompanying app provides real-time data to help users optimize their lifestyles and achieve health goals.

4. Smart Home Heating Efficient heating management is a top priority for homeowners seeking to maintain a comfortable living space. New smart home heating technologies offer intelligent and selective heating, reducing energy consumption and emissions while saving homeowners money. These technologies include programmable thermostats, heat pump systems, and smart water heaters.

US-based startup Therm specializes in thermostats for one-pipe steam radiators. Its algorithms learn the operation of a building's boiler and control the amount of steam allowed into radiators. Homeowners can adjust the in-house temperature via a mobile app, aligning it with their preferences.

Swiss startup KOLEDA offers an innovative electric infrared heating system that allows users to customize the temperature in each room according to their preferences. Each heater comes with a wireless smart thermostat connected to an app that measures temperature and humidity, while providing real-time cost monitoring.

5. Next Generation Entertainment Customizability and intelligent entertainment systems are major trends in smart homes. AI and AR-based furniture, reconfigurable materials, and smart entertainment systems allow homeowners to create personalized living spaces. These innovations cover AI-driven furniture, mood-sensing music, virtual interactive displays, and IoT video streaming, enhancing home entertainment experiences.

US-based startup MirroCool presents a smart mirror that serves as a personal assistant, synchronizing with the user's mobile phone. It displays relevant information, such as the date, time, traffic updates, meetings, and events from the user's calendar. The smart mirror also detects motions, captures images of intruders, and sends them to the owner.

US-based startup iiRcade develops a next-generation arcade gaming console that offers both retro and modern arcade gaming experiences. It supports online and local multiplayer gaming, providing an immersive experience with high-quality displays and sound systems.

6. Advanced Lighting Advanced lighting solutions provide customizable lighting control, allowing users to remotely adjust lighting without the need for traditional wall switches. These solutions are energy-efficient and offer the ability to create customized lighting scenes for various occasions.

Japanese startup Stak offers customizable automated smart bulbs, featuring add-ons like a charger, sensor, camera, deodorizer, and bug repeller to provide a personalized lighting experience. Users can control and schedule lighting using voice commands or an app, enabling remote programming based on location and time preferences.

Chinese startup EZVALO offers multifunctional smart lighting devices with features like Bluetooth speakers, wireless phone chargers, and music players. These devices are controllable through a smart app or voice commands, enhancing convenience for homeowners while saving energy with LED technology.

7. Intelligent Energy Management The proliferation of connected home devices often leads to high energy consumption. Smart energy management systems aim to control and automate energy usage, improving efficiency and offering insights into energy consumption and conservation.

US-based startup Emporia develops technologies for smart home energy management, focusing on identifying and managing wasted energy to reduce consumption and control energy usage throughout the day. Its system, accessible via mobile app or web, provides energy use analysis and recommendations for cost savings and reduced emissions.

Canadian startup Moduly offers a modular home kit for energy storage, featuring a modular main control unit and lithium-ion battery modules. An intelligent app provides energy consumption analytics with recommendations and predictions, helping homeowners reduce energy interruptions and improve energy resilience.

8. Sustainable Home Consumers are increasingly adopting sustainable lifestyles, and these initiatives are extending to smart homes. Innovations include renewable energy utilization, sustainable materials, and reimagined water storage and conservation practices.

German startup CloudRain advances centralized smart garden irrigation, controlling multiple solar-powered valves and automatically scheduling watering times for plants based on environmental conditions. This technology enhances water efficiency while maintaining healthy gardens.

Indian startup Shunya introduces smart solar panels equipped with a monitoring system to optimize energy generation, making it possible for homeowners to reduce emissions and energy bills to zero.

9. Home Robotics Robots are transforming ordinary homes into smart homes by automating various tasks. Advanced robots are replacing common household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and pet care, making life more convenient for homeowners.

US-based startup Sunny offers an AI-powered robot assistant capable of face-to-face conversation, connecting with smart home devices, analyzing the owner's personal data, and providing entertainment. This robot employs computer vision, sensors, and cloud computing to perform its functions and can be configured for use in homes, businesses, or industrial settings.

US-based startup Coral Robots develops a robot vacuum cleaner that relies on computer vision navigation, allergen protection filters, and smart sensors for a deep cleaning experience. Its wheel system allows it to climb surfaces and overcome obstacles, while long-lasting batteries enable cleaning of large living spaces. The robot reaches areas that are challenging for traditional vacuum cleaners, enhancing indoor air quality.