# Topics (/docs/core-concepts/topics)



A **topic** is a trend concept in Trendtracker's knowledge graph, such as:

* precision fermentation,
* edge AI,
* solid-state batteries.

Most exploratory flows start with topic discovery and then branch into indicators.

## What You Can Do [#what-you-can-do]

* Search topics by name with `GET /topics`.
* Expand context with related topics via `GET /topics/{topic_id}/related`.
* Reuse one or more topic ids in indicators endpoints.

## Why Topics Matter [#why-topics-matter]

Topics standardize language across signals:

* patents,
* research activity,
* investments,
* acquisitions,
* and organization presence.

This keeps your dashboards consistent even when source data uses different wording.

## Quick Example [#quick-example]

```json
{
  "query": "alternative proteins",
  "take": 5
}
```

```bash
curl -s "https://connect-api.trendtracker.ai/topics?query=alternative%20proteins&take=5" \
  -H "x-api-key: $TT_API_KEY"
```

Use a returned id in downstream indicator queries to measure momentum over time.