This article was inspired by the tweets shown above.
🚀 Your Subject Choices Can Change the World
Ever wondered what it takes to build the next groundbreaking company, the kind that truly changes the game? It might just start with a whiteboard, a complex equation, and a deep understanding of how the universe truly works.
When you think about entrepreneurship, what comes to mind? Maybe you picture someone in a suit pitching investors. Or a software developer coding the next big app.
But here’s something most students never hear:
Some of the world’s most successful founders studied physics and mathematics. These subjects provide a unique way of thinking that helps identify problems and build groundbreaking solutions.
Physics and math entrepreneurs are developing sustainable energy solutions to creating the AI that powers your favorite apps.
If you are 16 – 20 years old and about to choose your subjects for higher study, your decision is more important than ever. Because in today’s world—where AI, quantum computing, clean energy, and advanced materials are transforming industries—the entrepreneurs who thrive are those who understand how things really work.
Physics and math aren’t just academic disciplines. They are your launchpad to build companies that solve the biggest problems of our time.
Let’s explore why.
💡The Power of First Principles Thinking
First principles thinking is a way of solving problems by breaking them down into their most fundamental truths.
Instead of copying what everyone else is doing, you ask:
- What is this really made of?
- What rules govern this system?
- What if I build it again from scratch?
Physics is the best training ground for this mindset.
Consider Elon Musk. Before he started Tesla and SpaceX, he studied physics at the University of Pennsylvania. When everyone said rockets cost hundreds of millions, he didn’t just accept it. He used first principles thinking to ask:
“What are the raw materials of a rocket, and how much do they actually cost?”
The answer: much less than what established companies charged. That insight led to SpaceX—and a revolution in space technology.
Physics helps you see past assumptions.
It trains you to model reality precisely, question limits, and think creatively.
If you want to disrupt industries, this is your edge.
📈 Mathematics—The Universal Language of Problem-Solving
Imagine trying to run a modern startup without understanding data, algorithms, or probability. Almost impossible.
Mathematics is the foundation of all this—and more:
- Analytics: understanding what your users want.
- Optimization: making processes faster and cheaper.
- Forecasting: predicting demand and planning resources.
- Computational Thinking:is a key outcome of studying mathematics. This bridges well with coding and software development, which many aspiring entrepreneurs are interested in.
- Statistics and Probability: help in understanding market trends to launch a new product.
Mathematics also powers entire industries:
- Fintech: Secure payments, risk modeling, blockchain.
- AI and Machine Learning: Algorithms that can recognize patterns and automate decisions.
- Biotech: Modeling biological systems and drug development.
Ursula Burns, former CEO of Xerox, put it simply:
“Mathematics teaches you how to think logically, how to problem-solve, how to see patterns—skills essential to building and growing any successful company.”
The next time you wonder if calculus or statistics matter in the real world, remember: they are exactly what enables you to build companies that scale.
🧠 Debunking the Myth of Limited Opportunities
Many students believe physics and math only lead to academia.
Here are the facts:
✅ Over 60% of physics graduates in the U.S. work in industry, not research (American Physical Society). Physics and math graduates are highly sought after in diverse sectors. These sectors include finance (quantitative analysis), data science, software development, R&D in tech companies, consulting, and product management roles. Their analytical and problem-solving skills are invaluable.
✅ Physics and math graduates have some of the highest rates of patent filings. They lead in intellectual property creation among all fields (National Science Foundation).
✅ According to PitchBook, STEM degree holders are over three times more likely to found deep-tech startups than non-STEM graduates. In fact, the cutting edge of entrepreneurship is heavily reliant on the foundational knowledge from physics and mathematics. It involves fundamental scientific discoveries. It also involves engineering challenges. These aren’t just support roles; these graduates are the innovators at the forefront.
✅Beyond direct job roles, physics and math cultivate unparalleled versatility and adaptability. The rigorous problem-solving, abstract thinking, and analytical skills you develop are highly transferable to any industry or challenge. This means you’re not just trained for one specific path. You are equipped to pivot and learn new domains quickly. These skills help you identify opportunities others miss. These are crucial traits for any successful entrepreneur.
Whether it’s quantum computing, clean energy, robotics, or AI, investors are pouring money into businesses built by science graduates.
In 2021 alone, venture capital investment in quantum technology exceeded $1.4 billion (Nature).
These opportunities are growing, not shrinking.
🌍 Real-World Examples to Inspire You
Here are a few innovators who combined physics, math, and entrepreneurship:
🔹 Elon Musk
- Studied Physics and Economics.
- Founded Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink.
- Applies first principles to everything—from reusable rockets to electric vehicles.
🔹 Demis Hassabis
- Studied Mathematics and Computer Science.
- Founded DeepMind (acquired by Google).
- Created AlphaGo, the first AI to defeat a world champion in Go.
🔹 Mary Lou Jepsen
- Physics Ph.D. from MIT.
- Founded Openwater, developing non-invasive brain imaging.
- Former head of display technology at Google X.
🔹 John Carmack
- Physics background.
- Co-founded id Software, invented 3D graphics engines that transformed gaming.
- Later became CTO of Oculus VR.
These examples show that physics and math don’t just prepare you for research. They provide you with the skills to invent the future.
🛠 How to Start Early
If you feel excited but overwhelmed, here are practical steps you can take right now:
✅ Choose physics and advanced mathematics as core subjects.
This will give you the strongest foundation.
✅ Join Olympiads, hackathons, and coding competitions.
You’ll meet peers who share your ambition. In India these exams are conducted by Indian Association of Physics Teachers.
✅ Start small projects.
Tinker with Arduino, build a simulation, or create an app. Real experience builds confidence. Your home provides you with ample material to do simple experiments. Explore online platforms for simulations, data challenges, or open-source software contributions – these often require minimal financial investment.
✅ Follow innovators.
Watch TED Talks, read about deep-tech founders, and subscribe to blogs about emerging technologies.
✅ Explore incubators and online communities.
Even in high school or early college, you can join programs that help young entrepreneurs.
Remember: You don’t have to have everything figured out. What matters is building the mindset and skills early.
🏆 Why Physics and Math Deserve a Serious Look
When your friends are choosing “safe” paths, ask yourself:
- Do you want to solve complex problems?
- Do you want to build companies that matter?
- Do you want to understand how the world works at the deepest level?
If the answer is yes, physics and math are not just subjects—they are your most powerful tools.
They will train you to think rigorously, act confidently, and innovate boldly.
And when combined with business knowledge, communication, and design, they become an unstoppable combination.
Eric Weinstein, Mathematician and Managing Director at Thiel Capital, said it best:
“Many of the great entrepreneurial opportunities are hidden in the math of new technologies. If you can see them, you can build the future.”
🚀✨The Future Is Calling: High-Impact & Low-Investment Opportunities
Still wondering where your physics and math superpowers can lead you. The next decade is ripe with opportunities for those with a strong quantitative and scientific foundation. Beyond established industries, here are some cutting-edge domains where physics and math graduates will be at the forefront, including several that offer significant entrepreneurial potential:
⚛️ Quantum Technologies: Beyond just computing, think quantum sensing (for medical diagnostics, navigation, geology), and quantum communication (ultra-secure data transfer). Entrepreneurial avenues could involve developing specialized software, algorithms, or educational platforms. These areas often require significant physics and math insight.
💎Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology: From self-healing concrete to revolutionary battery components and incredibly efficient catalysts, new materials are transforming industries. Physics and math are essential for modeling, simulating, and understanding these materials at an atomic level.
🌱🌍Climate Tech & Sustainable Solutions: This is vast! Beyond solar and EVs, consider advanced energy storage systems. These include next-gen batteries and hydrogen. Explore carbon capture technologies, geothermal energy solutions, and precision agriculture. The latter focuses on optimizing resource use. Many of these fields require deep physics for energy transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
🧬💻Biophysics & Computational Biology: The intersection of physics, math, and biology is exploding. Think advanced medical imaging, drug discovery via simulation, personalized medicine, and neuromorphic computing (AI inspired by the brain).
🤖Robotics & Automation (beyond drones): Drones are a great example. Consider collaborative robots (cobots) in manufacturing. Also consider autonomous systems in logistics. Finally, think about
🧠💡AI-powered decision-making in complex environments. Physics underpins the mechanics and control, while math drives the AI.
🛰️Space Commercialization: (Beyond SpaceX) This isn’t just about launching rockets. Think satellite data analysis (for agriculture, climate monitoring, urban planning), space debris management, in-orbit manufacturing, and space-based resource utilization. Physics is fundamental here. Low-investment idea: Consider developing software for satellite image analysis. Another option is creating platforms for space data visualization. You could also offer specialized consulting on space mission planning and optimization.
📈💰Fintech & Quant Finance: (this is a big employer) Developing specialized algorithms for high-frequency trading requires deep mathematical expertise. Algorithms are also needed for risk assessment, fraud detection, or blockchain optimization. It often requires statistical expertise as well. Entrepreneurship here can be highly lucrative in software or consulting.
✨ Build the Future—Starting Now
The decision you make today about what to study isn’t just about college. It’s about your ability to shape what comes next.
Physics and mathematics are the backbone of almost every transformative technology. They help you develop first principles thinking, solve problems nobody else can, and create products that change lives.
Don’t underestimate the power of these subjects.
👉 If you’re serious about becoming an entrepreneur, take physics and math seriously. If you’re ready to not just study science, then use it to build the future. Embrace physics and math. Start today. Dive in. Explore. Experiment. Because the world is waiting for your groundbreaking ideas. Because the world’s next big ideas will come from those who understand how everything works—and dare to build something new.
🌟 Ready to Get Started?
- Need help in studying physics and mathematics? Contact me for a free 15 minute discussion.
- Share this post with friends who dream of building the future.
✅ If you need help, or guidance, reach out anytime. Your future is waiting—and it starts with the subjects you choose.
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