Driverless cars aside for a second, government grants are essential to R&D and commericialization. Having learned recently about Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, I can't believe I didn't know about it

Department of Transportation topics for 2018: https://www.sbir.gov/node/1413255

Even if the research isn't done by government itself, it's likely the result of government grants. VC usually step in and reap profits way later