There should be a way to assign techs with "racial traits". For example, why does a race with 'Organic Manipulation' need to research biology and then biological weapons like everyone else? They should get a head start in this field, it's inherent in the definition of the racial trait. Propulsion experts should get a few extra levels of engine technology with their +1 advantage, too. You could then have racial traits that exist
specifically to give some technological head start, too. Like a "Ground Pounders" (B5 anyone?
)ability that gives a race troops and troop weapons on turn one.