Science Fuels Startups

Science is the unseen engine driving startups and innovation.

Why it matters

  • Science drives innovation, leading to new technologies, products, and companies.
  • Investment in science correlates with national power and economic growth.
  • Scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs work together to create successful startups.

By the numbers

  • The U.S. government has funded scientific research at billions of dollars since 1940.
  • VC investments have a time horizon of 3–7 years, while science often needs decades to yield practical applications.

The big picture

  • Reducing investment in science weakens national power and economic growth.
  • Countries that neglect science become dependent on those that invest in it.

What they're saying

  • Some critique the binary categorization of scientists vs. engineers, noting that individuals can embody both roles.

Caveats

  • The article is an opinion piece based on the author's perspective.
  • The date in the URL is 2025, which may be a typo.

What’s next

  • If the U.S. reduces science funding, other countries like China may lead in innovation.