[bri3d]

There's no mention anywhere on the page, as far as I can tell, of what happens to your IP.

The second stage of the contest requires showing extremely detailed plans to a "panel of judges from around the world."

Even though the goal of the project is indeed noble, I don't see anyone but students entering without an explanation of how the IP works. A working setup for a drone with globally applicable humanitarian mission is worth a lot more than a million dollars.

[nraford]

Hi, my name is Dr. Noah Raford and I am part of the competition's organising committee (proof: http://ae.linkedin.com/pub/dr-noah-raford/1/a68/4a0 More proof: http://noahraford.com/?page_id=370).

This is a really important point. Thanks so much for bringing it up.

All contestants in the competition will retain their IP for their submission. The government retains no right to the ideas submitted, nor does any other third party. If someone submits an idea using public or Creative Commons licensed IP, that IP will stay with its original owner. We'll be clarifying that on the website shortly.

We really appreciate your interest. We are working to make this award as useful as possible for stimulating conversation and innovation in this area. Thanks again.

[azinman2]

What is the motivation for this by the UAE then?

[nraford]

Short answer from the website: "The first of its kind and scale, the Award is dedicated to transforming these exciting technologies into practical solutions for improving people’s lives today."

Slightly longer answer: Most of these technologies have been used for military and security applications to date. Those are important, but things are developing so rapidly and become so much less expensive (Moore's Law) that incredible new uses are becoming possible every day. The Award is about stimulating creative thinking about how to apply their potential for positive social application.

TL;DR: There is a important conversation to be had around adapting these applications to the public good. This requires imagination, leadership, and public support. That is what this award is about. Hope that answers your question.

[bri3d]

Thanks! I know a few people running small drone businesses here in the US. It seems that with this policy there's no obvious downside to entering. I'll point them your way!

[nraford]

Thanks, please do!

[hiphopyo]

Reminds me of one of those "business plan contests", where in the end, whether you win or lose, they run off with your idea.

[evan_]

Does that happen frequently?