My university had participated in those challenges. They were pretty cool. But yes, once it was proven that something was possible it open the flood gates for commercialization.
I'm more surprised/disappointed that someone on HN wasn't aware of those initiatives. It shows why people are for defunding government research. Though I imagine DARPA being part of the military, wouldn't have been in that boat, but my point remains the same to NASA, NSF, NOAA etc.
"I'm more surprised/disappointed that someone on HN wasn't aware of those initiatives."
You've made an assumption that I'm unaware of them, which is incorrect.
I just think they're very small in the grand scheme of things. The DARPA challenges are a blip on the radar of the federal budget, as it relates to highways, auto safety, fuel efficiency, and a variety of other areas where self-driving cars will have a tremendous impact.
I'm more surprised/disappointed that someone on HN wasn't aware of those initiatives. It shows why people are for defunding government research. Though I imagine DARPA being part of the military, wouldn't have been in that boat, but my point remains the same to NASA, NSF, NOAA etc.