Materials, manufacturing and construction

A large prize. A cheap building material as hard as metal would change construction costs.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Metals from the deep ocean floor would add a great new supply for industry.

Who is paid. Metal users buy the ore, and many could build the gear, so mining firms with ships, money and seabed claims collect; I assumed claims are not scarce.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Seeing single atoms is prized by laboratories, but few buyers need such an instrument.

Who is paid. Laboratories and chip makers buy it, and the few established makers of fine instruments have the skill and the customers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike man-made cloth in general, this replaces one costly fabric, which is still worth an industry.

Who is paid. People pay for it in the clothes they buy, and so many mills can make such fibre that buyers keep nearly all the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. The description gives the mineral no use, so I assumed it is mined as a modest source of a useful gas.

Who is paid. Industrial users would buy what is mined, and unlike the scarce gem and the wonder ore nothing here is said to be rare or without substitute, so the many mining firms that own such ground would sell it and none could hold buyers to one source.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Measuring a surface by machine saves workshop time, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Factories and tailors buy it, and many instrument makers can build such a gauge, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Smooth, long-lasting roads would cut the cost of moving people and goods everywhere.

Who is paid. Governments pay for roads, and the paving firms that already hold road contracts can all lay it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Clothes cut by machine to fit each body would change the clothing trade's costs and waste.

Who is paid. People buy the clothes, and the machines can be copied, so clothing brands and shops with customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A very strong aluminium alloy would cut the weight and cost of vehicles and structures.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A strong metal lighter than any other would cut the weight and running cost of aircraft, ships and vehicles.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Cloth made without plants or animals clothes most of humanity cheaply, which is a basic need.

Who is paid. People pay for it in the clothes they buy, and so many mills can spin such fibre that buyers keep nearly all the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Steel that never rusts would end much of the upkeep of bridges, ships and pipes.

Who is paid. Builders and shipyards buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established steel makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Tiny modules that join into larger structures by themselves would change the cost of construction.

Who is paid. Builders buy them, and once they can be copied the established makers of building materials collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. It is a joke element with no stated use, so there is nothing for anyone to buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A metal with the strength of heavy metals at far less weight would cut the weight and running cost of aircraft, ships and structures.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A substance that cannot be seen at all would be prized for hiding soldiers, craft and equipment.

Who is paid. Governments pay, assuming hiding is its main use, and the firms that already hold military supply contracts make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A very thin, very strong wire would change the cost of cables and structures; being too fine to see does not alter that.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A borer that also turns the spoil into building material would change the cost of tunnels and mines.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy it, and makers of heavy digging machines who already sell to them can copy and supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A strong metal of extraordinary lightness would cut the weight and running cost of aircraft, ships and structures.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. True invisibility would be worth a great deal to armies and spies, and would likely be kept from ordinary buyers.

Who is paid. Armies and spy services pay, and the firms that already hold their equipment contracts would make it once the method is known.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Boots that grip metal help the few who work on hulls and steel frames.

Who is paid. Employers buy them for their workers, and any bootmaker can fit magnets to a sole.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A see-through material with the strength of metal would change how windows, vehicles and buildings are made.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Finding and naming buried metals from the surface would change the cost of prospecting for the whole mining trade.

Who is paid. Mining firms buy it, and an instrument can be studied and copied, so established instrument makers and survey firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Glass that cuts glare is a handy improvement to windows, lenses and screens.

Who is paid. Makers of vehicles, lenses and screens buy it, and many glass firms can apply such a coating, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A see-through material as tough as metal would change windows, vehicles, screens and armour.

Who is paid. Makers of vehicles and buildings buy it, and the recipe can be copied, so the established glass and materials firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. True invisibility would be worth a great deal to armies and spies, and would likely be kept from ordinary buyers.

Who is paid. Armies and spy services pay, and the firms that already hold their equipment contracts would make it once the method is known.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A tough, lasting light alloy would cut the weight and running cost of aircraft, vehicles and structures.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Stopping air escaping through a hull breach is a vital repair supply for ship operators, not an industry.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy it, and a foam is easy for many chemical firms to match, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A compound that plugs hull holes is a useful repair supply for ship operators, not an industry.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy it, and a sealant is easy for many chemical firms to match, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A case that cannot be broken into serves the few who must send secrets or valuables by hand.

Who is paid. Firms and couriers buy it, and many metal workers can make a strong sealed box, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A stable light structural alloy would cut the weight and running cost of aircraft, ships and structures.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A stronger explosive is an improvement for mining, demolition and munitions, not a new industry.

Who is paid. Mining and munitions firms buy it, assuming it is not for armies alone, and the explosives makers already licensed to handle such things collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A light, strong alloy for building craft would cut the weight and running cost of aircraft and ships.

Who is paid. Vehicle makers buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Window glazing that cannot shatter would change the glass trade for buildings and vehicles.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and being unbreakable does not stop a second maker, so the big glass firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A sheet for sealing leaks in pressurised shelters is a repair supply.

Who is paid. Operators of such shelters buy it, and a sealing sheet is easy for many firms to match, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A material nothing can pierce would be worth an industry in armour, vaults, vessels and containment.

Who is paid. Builders of vehicles and strongrooms buy it, and nothing in the description stops a second maker: a thing being hard to cut open and study does not keep others from learning to make it, so the established materials firms collect as they do with the tough alloys.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A material that hides things from the eye but not from heat cameras suits a few screening and security uses.

Who is paid. Security and equipment firms buy it, and many chemical firms could match it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that bores quickly through rock would change the cost of tunnels and mines.

Who is paid. Mining and building firms buy it, and makers of heavy digging machines who already sell to them can copy and supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A glassy see-through material worn as fashion is a novelty.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, and many firms can make a fashion material, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that digs deep into worlds and space rocks would change the cost of tunnels and mines.

Who is paid. Mining firms buy it, and makers of heavy digging machines who already sell to them can copy and supply it, the atomic power needing approval but not a scarce licence.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A clear, light material as strong as steel would change how windows, vehicles and buildings are made.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Taken at its promise, a mineral that transforms industry would change costs across it, though the description does not say how.

Who is paid. Industry buys the ore, and whoever owns the deposits holds something others cannot get, assuming it is found in only a few places.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Spraying metal onto surfaces is a useful way to protect and repair parts.

Who is paid. Workshops and factories buy it, and many firms can build such sprayers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A stronger cutting and joining tool is a workshop improvement, not a new industry.

Who is paid. Workshops and builders buy it, and many toolmakers could build such a torch, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Copying any object exactly would make most goods nearly free, changing how nearly everything is made.

Who is paid. Assuming a home or shop machine, people buy it, and a machine that copies anything can copy itself, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Unlike the general-purpose alloys, this is described only as a shield against rocket exhaust, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Rocket builders and launch sites buy it, and established materials firms that already supply them can copy it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A see-through material as tough as metal would change how windows, vehicles and buildings are made.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A hull covering against the dangers of space is one part of a spacecraft, like the exhaust shield in the first batch.

Who is paid. Spacecraft builders buy it, assuming space travel is a modest trade, and an alloy recipe gets copied, so established metal makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A man-made fibre as strong as steel would change ropes, cloth and light structures; the real thing is still small, and I judged the promise.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A clear material that lets in light and keeps nearly all heat would cut the cost of heating buildings everywhere.

Who is paid. Home owners pay for it in their windows, and many glass firms could make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Windows that hold heat in cut heating and cooling bills in most buildings, which is worth an industry.

Who is paid. Home owners and builders buy it, and any glass works can seal panes this way, so buyers keep the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A coil that shapes magnetic fields is a part for laboratories and machines.

Who is paid. Laboratories and machine makers buy it, and many electrical firms can wind such a coil.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Cloth that is very hard to tear or cut makes better protective clothing, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Employers buy it for workers, and the weave can be copied, so established workwear and textile firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A rod that holds light inside has no use named, so I assumed it serves as a store of light or a curiosity.

Who is paid. Instrument and lighting makers might buy it, and nothing in the description stops many glass firms making it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A skin-like material that changes how someone looks serves actors and spies, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Stage and film firms buy it, assuming open sale and that spy services are a minor buyer, and many firms could make such a skin.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Removing all friction from a chosen surface would cut wear and wasted energy in machines everywhere.

Who is paid. Machine owners buy it, assuming it is a tool and not a weapon, and once one firm builds it established equipment makers copy and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Walls with sealed empty gaps keep heat in and would cut the cost of heating and cooling buildings.

Who is paid. Home owners pay for it in their walls, and the idea is simple for any builder to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A rare and lovely gem is a luxury for a few.

Who is paid. Wealthy people buy it, and whoever holds the scarce source controls something others cannot get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A chosen garment made while the customer waits would change the clothing trade's costs and waste.

Who is paid. People buy the clothes, and the machines can be copied, so clothing brands and shops with customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A coating that soaks up nearly all light helps telescopes, cameras and a few design uses, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Instrument makers buy it, and a coating can be studied and matched by many paint and chemical firms, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Stopping air escaping through a hull breach is a vital repair supply for ship operators, not an industry.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy it, and a foam is easy for many chemical firms to match, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A light material of very great pulling strength would change the cost of cables, aircraft and structures.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. An alloy that outlasts steel would cut replacement and upkeep costs in machines and structures.

Who is paid. Makers of machines and buildings buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A substance nothing can pierce or destroy would be worth an industry in armour, vaults, vessels and containment.

Who is paid. Builders of vehicles and strongrooms buy it, and nothing in the description stops a second maker: a thing being hard to cut open and study does not keep others from learning to make it, so the established materials firms collect as they do with the tough alloys.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Building spacecraft parts layer by layer saves stock and tooling for one industry; it is confined to plastic parts, so it is not a make-anything machine.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy it, and the real machines proved easy for many firms to build, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An exceptionally tough building metal would cut replacement and upkeep costs in structures.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A natural fibre as tough as metal would change ropes, cloth and light structures.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy it, and a plant or animal can be bred by others, so the big fibre and textile firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A partly living jelly has no use named, so I assumed a minor one such as padding or dressing.

Who is paid. Firms might buy it for such uses, and a living material can be grown by many, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Powerful workshop cutters are a better tool for a trade, not a new industry.

Who is paid. Workshops buy them, and many toolmakers could build them once the power source exists, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Cloth that repels every spill and mark would end much washing and replacing of clothes and furnishings.

Who is paid. People buy the goods, and the cloth can be copied, so clothing and textile firms with brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Film that seals its own small punctures is a handy improvement to tents, suits and packaging.

Who is paid. Makers of such goods buy it, and many plastics firms can match it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A simple fitting that gives warm and cold air is a useful workshop part.

Who is paid. Factories buy it for spot cooling, and any machine shop can make a pipe with no moving parts.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Real timber kept as a rare luxury is a niche, like a fine gem.

Who is paid. Wealthy people buy it, and by the description it is rare, so whoever holds the few remaining trees keeps the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Homes that grow by themselves would sharply cut the cost of housing.

Who is paid. People buy it as a home, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the growers, builders and landowners that already hold stock, sites and the trade of housing collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Clothes made with no hand sewing would cut the cost of the whole garment trade, but it is one industry and not all of making.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the clothes, and the machinery can be copied, so clothing firms with brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A vehicle that drills its own way through the ground would change the cost of tunnels, pipes and mines.

Who is paid. Construction and mining firms buy it, and heavy-machine makers with plants and service crews can each build one, so they collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Cloth that shields its wearer from energy blasts is protective kit for fighters, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Armies and police pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold armour contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Factories with no workers at all would change how most goods are made and how most people work, which is more than today's automated plants manage.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy the machinery, many can build it, and the firms that already own plants, brands and routes to customers collect what buyers do not.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Plants run wholly by machines with human skill would change how most goods are made and how most people work.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy the machinery, many can build it, and the firms that already own plants, brands and routes to customers collect what buyers do not.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Clothing that keeps a worker cool in scorching places matters to the few who work there.

Who is paid. Employers of people in hot places buy it, and makers of safety gear who already supply them can copy and sell it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A coating that soaks up light is a niche, here used to hide a spacecraft.

Who is paid. Unlike the other dark coatings, this one hides warcraft, so armed forces pay and the firms that already hold their contracts apply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A recipe that lets a machine make a copy of any object is the working part of a make-anything machine, which makes most goods nearly free.

Who is paid. People get recipes for a home or shop machine, I assume, and a digital recipe is copied freely, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A wall that grows tougher the harder it is pressed would be worth an industry in armour, vaults and containment.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and the insects that make it breed and can be taken and raised by others like the other living tools here, so no one holder keeps them and the established makers of building materials collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Turning any stored design into a solid thing, far beyond today's printers, would change how nearly everything is made.

Who is paid. Assuming a home or shop machine, people buy it, and a machine that makes anything can make more of itself, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. It is a slang word for a failed copy, not a thing anyone could buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold; it names a fault, not a product.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Pulling any chosen element out of sea water would change the cost of metals and fresh water.

Who is paid. Mining and chemical firms buy it, and once the method is known those with plants on the coast and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An extremely dense barrier that stops nearly anything would change how ships, reactors and vaults are protected.

Who is paid. Firms that build such things buy it, assuming it is not for armies alone, and nothing in the description stops a second maker, so the big materials firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A false skin that changes how someone looks serves actors and spies, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Stage and film firms buy it, assuming open sale and that spy services are a minor buyer, and many firms could make such a skin.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Paper that cannot be forged is useful for money, deeds and certificates, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Banks, firms and offices buy it, and I assumed more than one maker could learn the method, so established security printers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A false face for passing as someone else serves actors and spies, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Stage and film firms buy it, assuming open sale and that spy services are a minor buyer, and many firms could make such a skin.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A clear airtight fabric for vacuum serves space suits and shelters, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Space operators buy it, and the cloth can be copied, so makers of protective gear with customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Clothes sprayed straight onto the body would fit anyone at once and upset the garment trade; the real thing so far is a novelty, and I judged the promise.

Who is paid. People buy the cans, and the spray can be matched, so clothing brands with shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A strong see-through material fit for domes and whole spacecraft would change how windows, vehicles and buildings are made.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Walls that let a home change shape are a pleasant extra, not a change in the cost of housing.

Who is paid. Home owners pay for it, assuming they choose it, and a blend is easy to copy, so builders and building-supply firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Walls that mend their own cracks would cut the upkeep and risk of buildings and bridges.

Who is paid. Developers and owners buy it, and once the method is known the big builders and materials firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. A crystal that freezes all the water it touches is a hazard to the whole world, not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A clear coating that is perfectly slick and cannot be pierced would cut wear and protect surfaces across industry, which is more than an ordinary finish.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy it, and being impenetrable does not stop a second maker, so the big materials firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A powder that forms writing by itself is a neat way to take notes, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. People buy it as they buy pens and paper, and once the powder is understood many could make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A stick that sets the powder into text is the same note-taking convenience as the powder itself.

Who is paid. People buy it as they buy pens and paper, and once the powder is understood many could make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A tube that quickly lengthens and shortens is a handy part for tools and machines.

Who is paid. Makers of tools and machines buy it, and many firms can make such a part.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Protection from extreme heat matters to the few who must work in such places; I assumed it is gear for those workers and not something everyone on a hot world must own.

Who is paid. Employers of people in hot places buy it, and makers of safety gear who already supply them can copy and sell it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A beam that cuts is a better tool for mines and workshops, not a new industry.

Who is paid. Mines and workshops buy it, and many toolmakers can build such a cutter, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A cleansing foam matters after spills and accidents, which is a niche supply.

Who is paid. Plants, ships and hospitals buy it, and many chemical firms can make such a foam.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A strong metal for structures that fold and unfold would cut the cost of shelters and vehicles that must travel light.

Who is paid. Vehicle and building firms buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Unlike the very strong threads, this is only a rope whose knots hold tighter, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Sailors, climbers and haulers buy it, and many rope makers could copy such a fibre.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. An exceptionally hard metal would cut wear and replacement costs in tools, machines and structures.

Who is paid. Makers of tools and machines buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established metal makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A lens of oil held by a field is a specialist part for instruments.

Who is paid. Instrument makers buy it, and once such fields exist any optics firm could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A suit that makes its wearer invisible would be prized by every army and spy service.

Who is paid. Governments pay, assuming the public may not buy it, and the firms that already hold military supply contracts make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A steel far tougher than the ordinary kind would change the cost of structures, vehicles and machines.

Who is paid. Builders and manufacturers buy it, and a metal recipe gets copied, so the established steel makers with furnaces and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A coating that sheds water completely is a handy finish for cloth, glass and hulls.

Who is paid. Makers of such goods buy it, and many chemical firms can match a coating, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A suit that hardens when struck protects those who face blows or debris, which is a niche.

Who is paid. I assumed armies, police and space crews are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold their equipment contracts would make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A tent that weighs almost nothing is a pleasure for campers and travellers.

Who is paid. Campers buy it, and once the fabric can be copied the outdoor brands and shops they already use collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A ship's shell that almost nothing can break would be worth an industry to anyone who travels or hauls in space.

Who is paid. Ship owners buy it, and though the story has a single firm selling it, nothing in the description stops a second maker, since a shell being hard to cut open and study does not keep others from learning to make it; I assumed the method gets out, so established shipbuilders and materials firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A creature that copies any manufactured thing would make most goods nearly free, assuming the copies are sound.

Who is paid. Assuming people can keep one as they would a machine, they buy it, and a creature that breeds cannot be held by any one seller.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A coating that records a scene is a way of taking pictures, judged here as a paint and not as the whole camera trade.

Who is paid. Printers and picture makers buy it, and many chemical firms can match a coating, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A material that switches between preset shapes lets one part or tool do the work of many across several industries.

Who is paid. Makers of tools, vehicles and goods buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Buildings that grow themselves into shape would sharply cut the cost of putting up homes.

Who is paid. People buy it as a home, and since living stock multiplies once any of it is sold, no originator can hold it, so the growers, builders and landowners that already hold stock, sites and the trade of housing collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A creature that digs rock and brings out ore would cut the cost of mining.

Who is paid. Mining firms buy it, and a living tool breeds and spreads, so the miners and suppliers already in the trade collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A thread of extraordinary pulling strength would change the cost of cables, bridges and lifting things to space.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A window that shows a lovely scene from long ago is a luxury for homes and offices.

Who is paid. People buy panes for their homes, and the glass must sit for years in front of a fine view, so those who own such land collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. It is the same kind of machine as the make-anything machines, but it is described only as making ship's equipment on demand to save cargo room, which changes supply costs for fleets and remote sites.

Who is paid. Ship operators buy the machines because the description puts them aboard ships, and as with the other make-anything machines a machine that makes equipment from stored patterns can make its own parts and the patterns can be passed around, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A plastic that takes stored shapes on command lets one part or tool do the work of many across several industries.

Who is paid. Makers of tools, vehicles and goods buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An extremely hard material would change cutting tools, bearings and wearing parts across industry.

Who is paid. Toolmakers and manufacturers buy it, and nothing in the description stops a second maker, so the big materials firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Clothing that reshapes itself is a pleasure and a fashion, not a need.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, and living cloth can be bred by others, so fashion houses with known names and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A hand tool that both lights and cuts is a convenience for workers and travellers.

Who is paid. I assumed it is bought mainly as a work tool, and many toolmakers can build such a cutter, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Man-made leather replaces one costly material in shoes, bags and seats.

Who is paid. People buy the goods made from it, and many chemical firms can make such a material, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A material of almost impossible strength would let far larger structures be built and change heavy construction.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and great strength alone does not stop a second maker, so the big materials firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An extremely thin, light and strong filament would change the cost of cables, bridges, aircraft and lifting things to space.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A suit that hardens when struck protects those who face blows or falls, which is a niche.

Who is paid. I assumed armies, police and space crews are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold their equipment contracts would make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A city is not a product, so I judged the structural glass it is built from, which is one building material among many.

Who is paid. Builders buy the glass and ceramic, and established makers of building materials can all supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A very resistant cloth protects people in risky jobs, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Employers buy it for their workers, and the fibre and workwear firms that already supply them make it without any one keeping others out.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Conductive metal from a tube is a handy repair and assembly supply.

Who is paid. Workshops and electronics makers buy it, and many chemical firms can match a paste, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A light metal that soaks up heat without warming would change the cooling of engines, machines and electronics.

Who is paid. Manufacturers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Melting scrap at home into a bar is a convenience for a few people.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and a small furnace is easy to make; I assumed the certifying is not held by one firm.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Whole communities living on the seabed would open a new kind of place to settle, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. A dome that keeps the sea out shelters everyone inside at once, so a government pays for it, and the marine builders that already hold such contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A material for body armour serves soldiers and guards, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Armies and police pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold armour contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A living glove is a curiosity or a piece of protective wear for a few; the description names no wider use.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, I assume, and living creatures breed and spread, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Cloth that blends into the background helps soldiers and hunters hide but still leaves them visible up close, so it is a niche.

Who is paid. Armies are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold uniform and equipment contracts would make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A stone that glows at night is a pleasant way to light paths and rooms without power.

Who is paid. People buy it for homes and gardens, and assuming the stone is common, many quarries could sell it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Seeing a clear slice through any object helps inspection and repair, which is a specialist tool.

Who is paid. Factories and laboratories buy it, and the method can be copied, so established instrument makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A thread far stronger than steel for its weight would change the cost of cables, bridges, aircraft and lifting things to space.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Building any object from molecules, far beyond today's printers, would change how nearly all goods are made.

Who is paid. Assuming a home or shop machine, people buy it and its feedstock, and a machine that makes anything can make more of itself, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A thread with enormous pulling strength would change the cost of cables, bridges, aircraft and lifting things to space.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A reel for a very fine thread is a tool that goes with the thread, not an industry.

Who is paid. Users of the thread buy it, and any toolmaker can build a reel, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Mapping the inside of an object in detail helps inspection and design, which is a specialist tool.

Who is paid. Factories and laboratories buy it, and the method can be copied, so established instrument makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Judged on its promise as a wonder building material it would change building costs, though the story says hidden flaws spoil it.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and a material recipe gets copied, so established makers of building materials collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A spray that lays down a wire is handy for repairs and electronics, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Electronics makers and repairers buy it, and many chemical firms can mix such a spray.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A far tougher armour for war machines would change what an army's machines can survive.

Who is paid. Unlike the general-purpose alloys, this is armour, so armies pay and the firms that already hold weapons contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A bendable strip that picks up sound is a handy part for recording and listening gear.

Who is paid. Equipment makers buy it, and many electronics firms can make such a strip, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A perfectly dark coating helps telescopes, cameras and a few art and design uses, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Instrument makers buy it, and a coating can be studied and matched by many paint and chemical firms, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A dye darker than black is a matter of fashion and ceremony, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Cloth makers buy it, and a dye can be studied and matched by many chemical firms, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap fast tunnelling would change the cost of railways, roads, mines and pipes.

Who is paid. Construction and mining firms buy it, and heavy-machine makers with plants and service crews can each build one, so they collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Extremely strong panes of great thinness would change glazing, screens and light structures.

Who is paid. Builders and manufacturers buy them, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A whole-body second skin is special clothing for a few uses.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, I assume, and the garment can be copied, so clothing firms with brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Growing circuits in place of building them in costly plants would change the cost of electronics.

Who is paid. Device makers buy the circuits, and once the method spreads the electronics firms with designs and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Cloth that shows pictures is a fashion and display novelty; it shows images, so I judged it as display clothing and not as hiding gear.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, assuming it is sold openly, and the cloth can be copied, so clothing brands with shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Gear that blends into its surroundings helps soldiers and hunters, and it only blends in without making the wearer vanish.

Who is paid. Armies pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold military supply contracts make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Solvents that dissolve only chosen substances would change mining, recycling and chemical making.

Who is paid. Industrial firms buy them, and once the method is known the big chemical firms with plants and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A skin that soaks up light or glows gives machines power and display, which is a feature and not an industry.

Who is paid. Robot makers buy it, and once understood many materials firms could make such a skin.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A coating that truly ends upkeep on seaside and offshore structures, beyond what today's coatings do, would remove a heavy cost for ports, rigs and ships.

Who is paid. Owners of ports, rigs and ships buy it, and once matched by rivals the established coating firms that already supply them collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Concrete from Moon soil matters only to those building on the Moon, which is a niche.

Who is paid. I assumed space agencies pay for most Moon building, and their usual contractors can all mix it from soil lying free.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Flexible armour for joints is a useful part of protective kit, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Armies and police pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold armour contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Cloth that gathers power from surrounding sound would keep small worn devices running without a battery, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Makers of clothing and gadgets buy it, and many textile firms could copy it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Tough work clothing saves some injuries for people in risky jobs, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Employers buy it for their workers, and the fibre and workwear firms that already supply them make it without any one keeping others out.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike the make-anything machines, this is described as a design system and not as a machine that builds any object from raw matter, so I judged it as a tool that lets firms go straight from a finished design to the made thing, which changes what it costs to bring goods to market.

Who is paid. Firms that design and make goods buy it, since a design system is a tool of the trade and not a home appliance, and once the method is known the established makers of design tools and factory machines, who already have those customers, collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Soft armour that stiffens when struck is better protective kit, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Armies and police pay, assuming they are the main buyers, and the firms that already hold armour contracts supply it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A garment that shows changing designs is a fashion novelty.

Who is paid. People buy it to wear, and the cloth can be copied, so clothing brands with shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A tough film that protects and preserves what it covers is better packaging.

Who is paid. Shippers and stores buy it, and many plastics firms could match a film, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A cable that moves on command is a clever tool for climbers, riggers and rescue crews.

Who is paid. Working crews buy it, and many equipment firms could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Cloth that never needs washing would save most homes a regular chore and its cost.

Who is paid. People buy it as clothing, and once the method spreads the clothing brands and shops they already buy from collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Pulling any chosen compound out of a fluid in pure form would change the cost of clean water, chemicals and mining.

Who is paid. Chemical, water and mining firms buy it, and once it can be copied the makers of process equipment who already supply them collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Tiny bricks that build structures by themselves would change the cost of construction.

Who is paid. Builders buy them, and once they can be copied the established makers of building materials collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Building finished goods from atoms to a plan would change how nearly everything is made.

Who is paid. Assuming a home or shop machine, people buy it and its feedstock, and a machine that makes anything can make more of itself, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Dust-sized machines each built for a job would be a new kind of tool for cleaning, repair, sensing and medicine.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for their work, assuming many jobs are served, and once one maker shows how, established equipment makers copy and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. It is dust left by worn-out tiny machines, a waste and not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold; it is debris that gathers by itself.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Growing huge towers from engineered fibre would change the cost of building, which is more than simply building taller.

Who is paid. Developers buy them, as with towers today, and once the method is known the big builders with land and crews collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Walls that clean off sprayed paint save owners a recurring nuisance.

Who is paid. Building owners and cities buy it, and a coating can be studied and matched by many paint firms.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike the make-anything machines this makes materials and not finished goods, so turning common stuff into any scarce material changes costs across the industries that use materials without changing how most people live.

Who is paid. Manufacturers and miners buy the process, and since it is a method and not a machine that can copy itself, I assumed it spreads once shown and the firms with plants and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Tiny machines that turn nearby matter into any chosen item would make most goods nearly free.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, assuming it is sold for home use, and a thing that makes anything makes more of itself, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Copying any solid object at a far-off place makes most goods nearly free and ends much shipping.

Who is paid. People buy or use it, assuming a home or shop machine, and a machine that copies anything copies itself, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A lubricant that improves with use is a better supply for machines, not a new industry.

Who is paid. Machine owners buy it, and a living lubricant can be grown by many suppliers, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A fibre both very strong and very flexible would change the cost of cables, aircraft and structures.

Who is paid. Builders and vehicle makers buy it, and once the method is known the big materials firms with plants and customers make it and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Floating land would suit a few while dry land stays cheaper, so I judged it a niche.

Who is paid. Residents pay for a place aboard, and large builders and shipyards who can raise such structures collect, since none can stop the others.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Work clothes that resist gunfire protect people in dangerous jobs, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Employers buy it for their workers, and the fibre and workwear firms that already supply them make it without any one keeping others out.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A far tougher alloy for armoured vehicles would change what an army's machines can survive.

Who is paid. Unlike the general-purpose alloys, this is armour, so armies pay and the firms that already hold vehicle contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. This is a shift and not a product, so I judged the method behind it: making goods with engineered organisms would change costs across several industries.

Who is paid. Manufacturers pay for the organisms and vats, and living tools can be regrown by others, so firms with plants and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Very strong thread from farm animals would change the cost of ropes, cables, protective cloth and structures.

Who is paid. Makers of cloth and cable buy it, and the animals breed and spread, so established fibre firms with plants and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A metal that glows by itself is a decorative and lighting convenience.

Who is paid. Builders and designers buy it, and once understood many metal firms could make it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Sports clothes that do not smell are a convenience, and narrower than cloth that never needs washing.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and the treatment can be copied, so sportswear brands with shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. It is only a name for ordinary matter that has not been altered, not a thing made or sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A spray that sets stone-hard is a useful building supply, as sprayed concrete already is.

Who is paid. Builders buy it, and many firms can mix such a spray, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Buildings that hold themselves up by active control could use far less material and survive quakes, changing building costs.

Who is paid. Developers buy it, and the method can be copied, so established builders and engineering firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. By the description these machines copy themselves and spread over the whole world unaided, so whatever good they do in the story reaches everyone free and there is nothing anyone would pay for.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold: unlike the make-anything machines, which someone must first buy, these arrive by themselves, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Making and joining parts across a network of many small shops would change the cost of setting up manufacturing.

Who is paid. Firms wanting goods made pay the scattered makers, and since anyone with tools can join, no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. It is a wasteland of runaway tiny machines, a hazard and not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold; people avoid it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A package that builds a whole vehicle from local materials would upset vehicle making and shipping wherever a finished vehicle is costly to deliver, but it makes vehicles only.

Who is paid. The description names no buyer, so I assumed the buyers are firms working far from any factory, such as mines, expeditions and settlements, because building from local raw resources matters most where a finished vehicle cannot easily be brought; and unlike the pattern machine aboard ships a seed is used up in building and is not said to make more seeds, so vehicle firms with designs and brands collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Much taller towers add floor space in a few crowded cities without changing what building costs.

Who is paid. Developers pay for them, and the firms that already own city land and do big construction collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.