I generally agree with this sentiment but it's important to note that they don't know beforehand whether their technology is worth anything or not. In a way, e

I generally agree with this sentiment but it's important to note that they don't know beforehand whether their technology is worth anything or not. In a way, entering such contests is a way of lower risk in exchange for more modest rewards. If they wanted to setup a startup instead it would have taken them ages to get the same kind of recognition this contest immediately gives them.