NASA and cafe announce green aircraft challenge

In an announcement made on July 31, 20009, NASA and the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency (CAFE) have offered a 1.5 million dollar prize to a plane that can average 200 passenger miles per gallon of gas on a 200 mile flight averaging over 100 mph.

These contests are great ways to insight new innovation, and I think inspire new small firms to be formed. I'd love to see many more of these contests with housing, bike design, car design, solar and wind power systems etc...

I think the Mexican government could use this to promote more research. Instead of asking for proposals and giving grant money to the best looking option (which has way too much ability for corruption) offer a prize for someone who satisfies the demand. Where the initial cash comes from, that is still a problem, but companies will be more inclined to offer funding if they see a direct gain from completing the goal. Right now they win patent rights and tax incentives, but hard cash is even better!