  We propose 10 highly-charged ions as candidates for the development of next
generation atomic clocks, quantum information, and search for
$\alpha$-variation. They have long-lived metastable states with transition
frequencies to the ground state between 170-3000 nm, relatively simple
electronic structure, stable isotopes and high sensitivity to
$\alpha$-variation (e.g., Sm$^{14+}$, Pr$^{10+}$, Sm$^{13+}$, Nd$^{10+}$). We
predict their properties crucial for the experimental exploration and highlight
particularly attractive systems for these applications.
