The Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Defense course at the University of Connecticut is breaking the traditional classroom mold by getting students out into the community and engaging with defense industry professionals.
This unique course, known nationally as Hacking for Defense® (H4D), challenges dynamic student teams to develop solutions to critical United States Department of Defense and Intelligence Community problems. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the course combines engineering and entrepreneurship for critical defense applications.
Alexander Grey, a UConn-URI Navy STEM Coalition Graduate Fellow in Naval Security, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the course. “Our goal is to make connections inside and outside of engineering in all fields,” Grey says.
In the course’s inaugural year, students worked on a project for the Naval Information Warfare System Command (NIWC) – Atlantic, focusing on improving satellite communications for intel gathering. The team of engineering students developed an innovative communications solution called Husky Watch, combining phased rays and drone technology.
Drew Cietek, a materials science and engineering Ph.D. candidate, highlights the value of having a mix of undergraduate and graduate students on the team. “The undergraduate students really rose to the challenge and brought the project to a new level,” Cietek says.
With over 3,000 students nationwide addressing 850 problems and forming 54 startups, the H4D program is making a significant impact. Organizers stress the importance of the program in helping the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community solve mission-critical problems quickly.
Students are encouraged to register for the fall 2024 course, with no prerequisites required. The course offers a unique networking experience that mirrors real-world industry challenges, providing students with valuable skills and connections for their future careers.