Why Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Elon Musk want students to study physics instead of coding in the AI era

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation, some of the most influential tech leaders are urging a surprising pivot. Instead of doubling down on software and coding, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Tesla CEO Elon Musk want today’s students to focus on the fundamentals—particularly physics and mathematics.

Jensen Huang: The case for physical sciences

During a recent event in Beijing, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang was asked what he would study if he were a 22-year-old graduate in 2025. His response caught many off guard. “I probably would have studied physical sciences,” Huang said, prioritizing physics over computer science. Despite building Nvidia into the world’s most valuable chipmaker, Huang believes that the next frontier in AI is not just software-driven but rooted in understanding the physical world.

Huang stressed that future AI systems—especially those operating in robotics and real-world environments—will require deep knowledge of physics. “The next wave requires us to understand friction, inertia, and cause and effect,” he noted, referring to what he calls “Physical AI.” As AI moves beyond perception and reasoning into real-world interaction, skills in physics, mechanics, and materials science will become increasingly valuable.