I live in the shadow of a university that is a major biology research magnet, and quite a number of the professors have their own off-campus start-ups going on.

There's a widespread misconception about scientists too, due to the assumption that we're all academics. In fact there are quite a lot of scientists in industry, either in companies or as entrepreneurs. I've known quite a few millionaire scientists. Within the company that I work for, and in my side-business, I have a sincere interest in seeing my inventions commercialized.

I saw a video'd lecture by Alan Kay (probably linked to from HN) where he distinguished invention and innovation: Invention is creating new things, and innovation is bringing things to market. Those are separate skills.