First he solves the primmer then he sends Ellie on the 2nd machine instead of going himself.
Why has he invested so much since she was a child?
It's never really explained. Maybe he is her real father?
In the book if I recall, Hadden was a bit bigger of an individual in the world's eyes.
I like to think his motives were largely left up for audience's to decide. But in most respects, he's like those billionaire eccentrics who see uncommon ideas/concepts, and is willing to invest in something that so few would find able to produce huge results.
"Thanks, guys." "So long, partner."
- Toy Story 3 (9/10)
Could be he just wants to help expand humanity's boundaries, and he sees this as a good way to do it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAIJ3Rh5Qxs
I thought maybe it's because he had a crush on Ellie :P
shareHe believed in Elie. He was the one who was funding her research in the first place. He wouldnt go because he is a behind the scenes string puller type of guy who knew that even wirh his money and indluence the committee wouldn't pick him.
shareExpanding the range of human knowledge is Hadden's primary directive.
In his review of Ellie's past when she came to see his people, he instantly recognized the kindered spirit he had first became aware of decades earlier was finally blossoming into her own, becoming more than just a run-of-the-mill scientst plugging along for a paycheck and that his long-range investments were going to pay off in her case. These people exist all over the world and are some of the best mentors one can ever have.
His remarks to Ellie here prove how valuable he believes her future contributions to the sum of human knowledge and discovery can change the world ...
S.R. Hadden: [over video feed from Mir space station] I wanna show you something.
[shows satellite feed to Ellie]
S.R. Hadden: Hokkaido Island.
Ellie Arroway: The systems integration site.
S.R. Hadden: Look closer.
[zooms satellite feed to reveal second machine]
S.R. Hadden: First rule in government spending: why build one when you can have two at twice the price? Only, this one can be kept secret. Controlled by Americans, built by the Japanese subcontractors. Who, also, happen to be, recently acquired, wholly-owned subsidiaries...
Ellie Arroway: [speaks with Hadden] ... of Hadden industries.
S.R. Hadden: They still want an American to go, Doctor. Wanna take a ride?