Cold Fusion, at the time of the first claims, attracted some substantial research budgets. The potential pay-off was so high.
This is in some of the same territory.
Cold Fusion was given a good chance. There are potential pay-offs on this too, though it might not be powerful enough a thruster for station-keeping on a satellite. But the fuel supply is a limit on satellite lifetime.
This thruster will get a good chance. Results need replicating. That's all part of good science.