Physics What Are the Emerging Opportunities for Startups in Physics?

  • Thread starter Thread starter gaussianblur
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
AI Thread Summary
Startups in physics primarily focus on applied fields rather than theoretical or astrophysics. Opportunities exist in software development, particularly for engineering applications that require physics knowledge, such as numerical solutions for heat transfer. Consulting roles in applied physics and engineering, including specialties like optics and acoustics, are also viable paths. Startups have emerged in various sectors, including organic semiconductors, thin film deposition technologies, and medical devices. However, many of these companies seek candidates with advanced degrees, particularly PhDs, which can limit entry for those without such qualifications. Networking and inquiries may reveal additional job opportunities that are not publicly advertised.
gaussianblur
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
What opportunities are there for startups in physics? I'd imagine startup companies aren't doing theoretical or astrophysics. Do they design software, make game technologies...?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
gaussianblur said:
What opportunities are there for startups in physics? I'd imagine startup companies aren't doing theoretical or astrophysics. Do they design software, make game technologies...?

There are indeed many physicists who founded startups in the software / IT industry. The most famous one is probably one of the founders of SAP.
I have come across software companies that provide specialized software for engineering that requires some physics knowledge (such as: numerical solutions of the heat transfer equation).

In my country you could also become a consulting engineer focussed on some field in applied physics or engieering, e.g. optics, acoustics, building technology (as I understood other discussions here this is not the same everywhere and in the US you really need to have a degree in engineering to do this).
Typically you would be engaged in planning and implementing related systems. You might also develop a standardized product - I can remember a physics startup that developed a technique to create thin diamond coatings.
 
Last edited:
A few years ago during my job search I saw lots of startups. Organic semiconductors, various thin film deposition technologies and medical device manufacturers are some I can remember. I even worked at a startup almost a decade ago, prior to getting my Masters.

Whether they exist now, I don't know, but when I was looking for them I found them. The problem was that they all had very specific requirements in mind - they were looking for PhD's in the area they were working in. Sometimes inquiring with them turns up more general lab tech jobs that aren't posted, but you may or may not be interested in that.
 
Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
6K
Replies
33
Views
7K
Replies
8
Views
3K
Back
Top