This could work in certain sector, like drug discovery. Right now, a drug company (like Pfizer) will spend a billion dollars, then if successful, they have a p

This could work in certain sector, like drug discovery. Right now, a drug company (like Pfizer) will spend a billion dollars, then if successful, they have a patent and have to recuperate their investment before expiration (meanwhile, patients and their insurance providers are paying the premium, and those who can't, can't get the drug). But (depending on where you stand politically), these drugs have some public good, and it could be more direct to award prize money, then remove any restrictions on the drug after discovery.