Different wheel widths and diameters are certainly suited for different tasks, but in an area with no roads why not produce a simple wheel with large diameter and width suited for poor roads? There seems to be little value in allowing it to convert to a wheel design suited for better terrain.

Further, optimal wheel design matters most when you're propelling or steering the vehicle, as in a bicycle or motorized car / cart. In this case I suspect you'd be better off with the advantages of a pneumatic tire than the adaptability of this "Roadless" design. None of the Roadless concepts incorporate a pressurized air tire, arguably one of the most important transportation innovations in history.

And in any case, the added complexity seems unwelcome in this sort of environment.

Am I missing something?

That said, I think you would be well served to add some larger support tiers, and also to invite those backing the project to provide their potential experience and expertise. It could potentially open you up to crackpots, but in my experience it will also give you access to the random material scientist or whatever subject matter expert you might benefit from knowing. Best of luck with the project.

  Raising money to pay for my remaining tuition fees