The problem I seem to have when trying to find a business opportunity is that I’m unaware of the true problems that need solving. Sure there’s things like sustainable energy solutions, or improvements to urban planning, but these either already have billions pumped into research, or have a super high barrier to entry - be it financial or academical.
I’m well acquainted with first principles thinking, but it doesn’t serve much use when you have no problems to apply it to. I can create scenarios that’s I think are problems, but in hindsight they are just a means to an end - a problem for the sake of a problem, with no true benefit.
What piece of the puzzle am I missing?
Don’t be fooled. Musk did not found Tesla (he bought it). He founded SpaceX after having bought access to decision makers via the Mars Society.
He co-founded several company, e.g. Paypal.
AFAIK, the only 2 companies he really founded alone was the original X (a bank from which he was removed by the Board because he was unexperienced) and The Boring Company (a company that -basically- prevented any serious investment in railway system in the USA, by promising and not delivering anything.
So don’t feel bad…
Now, to your situation. You need to talk to as many people as possible to understand what problems they have. Attend pitching events (eventually online) to see what problems create resonance with investors/incubators. Look incubators around you, and which startups are accepted in their programs.
You can’t find problems from your sofa, so you need to get out.
This is sage advice- talk to others find out what they struggle with, try to deeply understand what they’re struggling with.