I didn't realize AlphaLab and DreamIt are funded by the state. But as part of my project I hope to recognize the different types of funding sources & people that are starting YC clones. I've even heard about companies that are looking at running small programs like this. I agree that the motivations are complicated, and that's what I want to explore.

Interesting note about the funding. I was talking to a VC about this and while he wanted to support a similar type of program locally, he was very hesitant. Mainly because if he chose not to follow-on with funding, he would likely be killing the startup before it even really got going.