I agree that in an ideal situation you would get paid for coding up a prototype for the company. On the other hand, if it gets accepted, there might be several

I agree that in an ideal situation you would get paid for coding up a prototype for the company. On the other hand, if it gets accepted, there might be several benefits that could make the unpaid time worth it: * getting a raise or a promotion for the initiative * better work environment due to using the best tool for the job