Some metric to find research project for PHD program which lead me to kick the start-up after Phd

I want to apply to US universities for Phd programs. But I have trouble on finding my field. I have a master on computer networks in field of Wireless Sensor Network. What I did on my master degree was just a pure simulation!

I like academia but What I am looking for is finding a research project which involve me on real world problems and not just simulation.

Ideally I want start my own start-up after finishing my PHD. or fining job in industry as a research associate which they research but they solve the real problems.

In order to more understanding you can see here which they finish their thesis and start their own company.

Now my question is how to find a professor as supervisor which working with his project direct me to those what I said? For example If one professor has lots of citation on google-scholar one will make sure that he has strong knowledge on academia.

I need some metrics to know working with which professor will guarantee my working on industry as a research associate?

Are patents are good metric?

More example are:

In my thesis I have tool to develop which name was NS2. that is appropriate for simulation. I am sure working three to five years with tools like that never directs me to solving real problem.

PS: 1. I did not said That I want to become developer on industry. Ps: 2. I say I want to become researcher which direct my to start my own start-up