Entry into R&D

I have always enjoyed R&D work, but the actual job has been somewhat elusive. R&D requires a good sponsor with deep enough pockets.

Your idea of building a company around the industry you selected is not a bad one (I can't comment on the actual problem area you are intent on working). Such a venture requires a broad understanding of engineering, people, management, leadership, and business skills to be successful. Not many engineers have those multitude of skills or want to be in that position in the first place. It is a lot of work wearing so many hats and developing those essential skills.

However, you can gain a lot of insight by first working for someone else in a similar industry. Seeing how things are done on the ground level of the lab as well as getting first hand experience on the business side of things will help make your own venture much more successful.

If you are lucky you might find someone is such an organization that will mentor you.