Revolutionising the MoD: How H4MoD Inspires Innovation and Fosters Talent
Hacking for the Ministry of Defence (H4MoD) isn't just another academic programme—it's a breeding ground for innovation within the UK's defence sector. As a passionate advocate for H4MoD, Capt Paul Ottewell RN had the opportunity to observe first-hand how this course enables university students to solve real-world defence and security challenges, and why it stands out as a prime tool for fostering innovation in the MoD.
Here he tells us what the biggest impact of H4MoD is for him and his organisation.
Stimulating Innovation in Defence
The shift in advanced technology development from defence-controlled environments to privately-funded research entities has left us yearning for more innovative approaches within our ranks. Consider the technological strides made by SpaceX with reusable rockets, or the rise of large language models, or how Ukraine harnessed commercial off-the-shelf technology against Russia's invasion. These stories highlight three pillars of rapid innovation: flexibility, iterative development, and user-focus—the essence of the Lean start-up methodology. So how do we translate these agile aspirations into reality within the MoD?
The answer lies with H4MoD. Since its inception in 2019, the course has brought together over 550 students to tackle 122 real-world national security and defence problems, giving birth to hundreds of innovative solution ideas.
New Perspectives on Old Problems
Two of our problem statements were tackled by H4MoD teams at King’s College London. The results? An entirely fresh perspective, free from organisational bias, and a meticulous stakeholder analysis that allowed us to uncover other defence business areas grappling with similar issues. This opened doors for us, revealing unseen opportunities for collaboration.
As an example, a problem initially perceived as a search for co-operative methods in the High North evolved into research into technologies for collective surveillance and protection of undersea critical national infrastructure—a solution we hadn't considered before.
Talent Attraction amidst Recruitment Crisis
In the aftermath of a recruitment crisis, H4MoD presents an invaluable opportunity. The course exposes a cohort of proactive, ambitious, and Lean-trained individuals to the prospect of a career in Defence. The figures speak for themselves—96% of students considered working with the MoD after participating in H4MoD, and many of them would be competitive applicants in future recruitment rounds.
A Worthwhile Investment for the MoD
For the investment of a weekly meeting with the H4MoD teams, MoD Strategic Programmes reaped benefits equivalent to 80 person-weeks of system analysis, gained insights into stakeholders, and received two minimum viable solutions to our problems. It was a win-win situation—innovative, agile, cost-effective, and adaptable.
With thanks to Capt Paul Ottewell RN, Deputy Head in MoD Strategic Programmes, for sharing his insight with us in this blog.
H4MoD, CMP’s flagship programme, is a testament to the potential of Mission-Driven Entrepreneurship(™). If you’re intrigued by the prospect of sourcing problems or wish to know more about the programme, please get in touch with Katerina Broder.