RE:RE:RE:RE:Impact Funding Yup, the only answer that matters. Grants are just another source of funding R&D initiatives and you still got to get to the same point where you have a product or technology that is needed and that can compete. And contrary to the way people spin receipt of grants, a grant does not imply that a proposal will work. It simply implies that the granting program is willing to fund your potential because it meets the eligibiilty criteria of the program.
If HPQ doesn't have to pay this application writer upfront to write grant applications on its behalf, HPQ has nothing to lose by paying a commission based on succeeding to obtain grants. As to the news worthiness of this? Too each their own. HPQ found a "supplier" of sorts that is willing to take them on for some fee. Don't know how selective the supplier is in accepting clients.