&gt;  the focus had been on pure science rather than military technologies?<p>I find your question a little funny in that Aaronson has said the DOD is where much of the funding for his research will come from for the next 5 years[1].<p>So, the $4 billion in Texas likely funded his recruitment package, but it is the military that is funding his research.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.scottaaronson.com&#x2F;blog&#x2F;?p=2687" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.scottaaronson.com&#x2F;blog&#x2F;?p=2687</a>