I've looked at advice online from successful hard-tech entrepreneurs, but the answers are conflicting. Some say to work backwards from a problem, but others arg

I've looked at advice online from successful hard-tech entrepreneurs, but the answers are conflicting. Some say to work backwards from a problem, but others argue that problem-first approaches often don't work since deep tech is inherently different: you often can't force a scientific breakthrough for a predetermined problem. Instead, they argue that most hard-tech companies are only founded because somebody made a scientific breakthrough and realized afterwards that there might be a commercial application. Hypothesis: This is because there is not a formula that solves the type of problems you are looking to solve. Proof by contradiction: + if there were a formula, then the problems worth solving would already be solved. Simply by applying the formula. + But they aren't solved: ergo there is no formula. My advice: + Pursue a Phd because a Phd is the most important thing for you. + Pursue a startup because because a startup is the most important thing you can do. + distinguish between the attraction of the idea of doing a startup/Phd and your attraction to the work of doing a startup/Phd. Good luck.