To be pedantic, In-q-tel is the literal state-sponsored VC.
DARPA is a step closer to traditional research labs but there is obviously some overlap.
DARPA is a step closer to traditional research labs but there is obviously some overlap.
It's more like the NSF but focused on commercial grantees with project management thrown on top to orchestrate everything.
The really unique part is how much independence each program manager has and the term limits that prevent empire building.