Inspired by pitchman Draper's Billion Dollar Idea Contest, I began to wonder what a Tablet PC/Microsoft version of his contest might be. OK. Put your fantasy-land hat on....here goes:
Objective: Inspire development of Tablet PC applications.
Competition: Up to $10 million of $1 million grants to seed Tablet PC projects or Tablet PC small business ventures.
Sounds crazy doesn't it? But, hey, might as well dream in color.
Here are some mechanics: The first year Microsoft can pick a couple Tablet PC projects to give awards to...let's say at Comdex--scratch that, PDC. The money is paid out over three or four years. These first year grants are not applied for, they are just given. They are Microsoft's way of saying "We're serious about the Tablet PC development community, right now." The following two years there can be an open competition, where a couple of the best ideas receive grants each year. The program ends on the launch of Longhorn.
What restrictions might there be on the money? None. They are grants. However, the money is spread out over several years so the project has to remain active. Also, these grants would be meant for individuals or small businesses. I'm thinking on the size no bigger than the original number of Microsoft employees in Albuquerque. In a pitch sense, the grant gives someone the chance to become the next Microsoft.
To make it really interesting, the winners get hands-on advice from Gates or Ballmer. Yep--all the way to the top. Photo ops, conference showcases, press interviews are all part of the package.
There's something inspiring about big businesses that spotlight small ventures and projects. Intel, for instance, has had an active investment group. But most of the time, VC-style money requires too much money for ground-breaking, new efforts. Angel-level money makes more sense for the Tablet PC. And getting the money directly to the most talented people could yield the greatest payoff.
For this year, I nominate at least xThink and maybe the ArtRage crew. Anyone have any other nominations?
Hmm. Now a name for this program. Ah, how about a Ballmer-inspired name like: "Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers Tablet PC Grants?" Eh, a bit long. OK. How about "Developers10 Tablet PC Grants" instead? :-)
Posted by Loren at October 17, 2003 10:52 AM