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Your idea for an app that extracts chemistry data from patents falls into a niche area where market activity is minimal. With only two similar products found, the confidence in assessing demand is low. The engagement, gauged by the average number of comments on similar products, is also low. Given this "Minimal Signal" category, it's crucial to validate the need for this app before investing significant time and resources. There is interest in patent data solutions in general, but you need to prove your specific value proposition is compelling.

Recommendations

1. Engage in online communities, such as chemistry or patent-focused forums and subreddits. Clearly articulate the problem your app solves and gauge interest by highlighting specific pain points your app addresses in extracting and structuring chemistry data from patents. Don't just ask if people want it; present a real problem and your proposed solution.
2. Offer to manually extract and structure chemistry data from a few patents for 2-3 potential customers. This hands-on approach helps you understand their exact needs and validate the core value proposition of your app. Document the time saved or the insights gained through this process to quantify the app's potential benefit.
3. Create a concise explainer video showcasing the app's functionality and the benefits of structured chemistry data from patents. Track how many people watch the video in its entirety, as this indicates genuine interest. Pay close attention to the segments where viewers drop off to identify areas for improvement in your messaging.
4. Gauge commitment by asking for a small deposit to join a waiting list for your app. This filters out casual interest and identifies individuals who are serious about using your solution. Be transparent about the app's current stage of development and the expected timeline for release.
5. Based on the discussions in similar products, be prepared to answer questions about global tracking capabilities, data update frequency, language support and integration options. These features appear to be important for potential users, so prioritize them in your development roadmap and communication strategy.
6. If you cannot secure at least 5 genuinely interested individuals within 3 weeks, critically reassess your idea and its market fit. It's better to pivot early than to invest significant time and resources into a product with limited demand.

Questions

1. What are the current manual methods used to extract and structure chemistry data from patents, and what are their limitations in terms of time, accuracy, and scalability?
2. How will you differentiate your app from existing patent search APIs and tools, specifically in terms of chemistry-specific data extraction and structuring capabilities?
3. What specific types of chemistry data (e.g., chemical structures, reaction conditions, experimental results) will your app extract, and how will you ensure the accuracy and reliability of this data?