Well, if the government is going to drop money from helicopters, I would at least prefer they ATTEMPT to do so in a way that might lead to some scientific advancement. They could also just send everyone a check for $1000, but although that would create some demand, it wouldn't likely lead to investments in long-term payoff high-risk science. I understand and somewhat sympathize with the idea that we don't want the government telling us to do with our money, and maybe we should let people spend that $1000 however they want, but I'm proposing trying to kill two birds with one stone here and also at least ATTEMPT to put the money initially in the hands of people trying to create something rather than just consume some basic goods.

But then the money would be going to engineers and other educated people, who already have decent incomes and job prospects. There is no benefit to the poorer classes with that system.

You are suggesting what already exists, plus a guarantee. How does your guarantee change behavior? We already have the expectation of payoff for success, that's how we got to this point to begin with.