The time frame of 5 years was the term of the agreement, but was actually closer tied to head count and facility.
So, if Poet could hire 40 more engineers tomorrow and have /buy / expand a R&D facility for them to work out of immediately, the EDB money should be available as a lump sum under those conditions. Economics pretty much dictates, however, that the money will be spread out over the term as Poet is able to finance the increases and meet the conditions.