Let's put it this way. I probably shouldn't have brought the issue up if I was expected to find the solution.
I identified it as being very early-stage investment. The only real sources I have seen that are available in a timely fashion are usually some type of philanthropic funding that has been matched by very early-stage venture capital that is available in the market.
One of the programs currently in place with respect to this is the I to I, idea to innovation program, which I already mentioned. This is probably the oldest and best POP, proof of principle, funding area.
I'm not too sure I would be looking at direct investment by government in this area. I would expect that the funding from government would be reserved for encouraging the later stage activity. I don't mean direct investment, but some type of enhanced tax incentive for people to invest in this type of activity would probably be the way to go.
To be perfectly frank, this is risky business. In truth, probably only 25% or 30% of the funding in this area actually will see fruition. When you do a proof of concept or you develop a particular prototype, a lot of the time that's where it ends because it didn't work out appropriately. Making people aware of that fact, particularly in the private sector, and having any incentive for them to invest in this would be appropriate.