Stanford Seminar - Silicon Valley & The U.S. Government: H4D’s Steve Blank and Joe Felter

Hacking for Defense, a course that allows students to tackle real-world national security problems, is explored by Steve Blank and Joe Felter. The course applies the Lean Startup methodology, emphasizing problem understanding through direct engagement with stakeholders and iterative solution development via minimum viable products. Originating from a desire to involve bright minds in national security, the course evolved from a hackathon concept to a Stanford class and then scaled nationally and internationally. Success is measured by mission achievement and impact, rather than profit, requiring adaptation of the business model canvas to a mission model canvas. Examples include Capella Space's disruptive satellite technology and a SEAL team navigation solution developed by freshmen, illustrating the course's impact.