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Many times, government money. The US government could credibly considered the largest, longest running, and most successful VC fund in history. They're also one
by cushychicken 3y ago
Many times, government money. The US government could credibly considered the largest, longest running, and most successful VC fund in history. They're also one of the only organizations that regularly funds truly blue-sky research.
Otherwise: venture capitalists, but I wouldn't consider those companies "research" in the traditional, academic sense. Most times, at least in AI and the present climate, VCs are betting on that company to develop some novel tech that will be acquired a big markup by a larger company who deems the technology valuable. Not sure that is so much "research" as "niche product development with a very targeted exit strategy".
- sheepybloke 3y agoOne thing to look at here is Small Business Innovation Research grants. I know a lot of companies who exist just to do SBIRs and trying to productize other SBIRs.SBIRs are also a lot of fun, tend to be more research focused, and often you can get a decent amount as part of the grant.
- cushychicken 3y agoVaries by dept to dept but some of the phase 1 grants can be up to a quarter or a half million dollars. They’re grants, too. If your research flops, you’re not on the hook for it. If you make it to phase three, congratulations! You’re now a supplier of a government procurement contract, and the government paid for your entire R&D effort, plus your salaries along the way.