Read this story some time ago where this inventor create rings that allow material to pass from one through the other without regards to distance. Make the bigger and bigger makes money. Eventually sends them into and through space to discover othe worlds.
Also sounds a lot like the Ell Donsaii books by Laurence Dahners (on Amazon, etc.)
I recommend this series. The premise is close to what the OP is asking for. It's a very enjoyable read, even though Elle is very much a Mary Sue type character.
https://storiesonline.net/s/17944/micro-gates (the story description makes it look as though the story has never been away).
