Research probably funded with government grant.
They patent it, either start a company or collect royalties. MIT takes a cut. Standard MIT practice.
They patent it, either start a company or collect royalties. MIT takes a cut. Standard MIT practice.
In other words, the government grant should at least be refunded from the profits.
The intended return on investment is the knowledge generated by scientific research, as is maintaining the scientific research pipeline and subsidizing academics. More profit for MIT and corporations is also a positive outcome, as is better razors for US consumers.
If most voters believe this is a net positive, they can sign the rest up to pay for it in our democratic system.