EDUCATOR SUMMIT
Summer 2025

The Next Era of H4D Educator Training
July 14-15 | Harvard University

Join us for an exclusive, two-day intensive training designed to equip educators with the tools, strategies, and networks needed to successfully deliver Hacking for Defense (H4D) and integrate it into their university ecosystem. This session serves as the official kickoff to CMP’s enhanced educator support strategy, bringing together new and experienced faculty for a collaborative, high-impact learning experience.

OVERVIEW

PROGRAM

Empowering educators to drive innovation in national security.

Through hands-on workshops, expert-led discussions, and peer collaboration, the Educator Summit equips faculty with the knowledge and resources to lead H4 courses effectively. Participants will explore best practices, gain insights into CMP’s educator support strategy, and engage directly with national security and innovation leaders.

This training is sponsored by the Defense Innovation Unit.

Who Should Register?

New Educators (Tier 1): Interested and new to H4D.

Current Instructors (Tier 2): Educators seeking to enhance course effectiveness.

Experienced Faculty (Tier 3): Those looking to scale H4D and mentor new instructors.

University Administrators: Leaders integrating H4D into research and innovation initiatives.

Details & Logistics

  • Dates: July 14-15, 2025

  • Location: Harvard University, 1 Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA

  • Duration: 2 Full Days

  • Format: Interactive workshops, peer learning, and national security engagement

  • Travel & Accommodations: Attendees cover flights, lodging and transportation. Lunch will be provided to confirmed attendees.

  • Attendance Costs: The summit is free, sponsored by CMP.

  • Preparation: Expect an immersive experience. A detailed agenda and read-ahead materials will be shared in advance.

What You’ll Learn

This year’s summit will introduce a new educator support strategy to help instructors more effectively deliver innovation-focused courses.

Comprehensive H4D Training – Best practices for teaching problem discovery, technology transition, and commercialization.

Educator Support & Resources– Insights into expanded educator resources, funding pathways, and university integration support.

Certification Pathways – Earn credentials as a Certified H4D Educator, with opportunities for Advanced Educator and Faculty Mentor roles.

National Security & Dual-Use Innovation Engagement – Direct connections with defense sponsors and industry partners.

Institutionalization & Growth Strategies – Tools for securing long-term university support and embedding H4D into research and innovation programs.

Training Agenda Highlights

  • New Positioning & Strategic Direction – How we’re evolving to support the national security ecosystem.

  • Facilitation Best Practices – Engaging student teams, structuring coursework, and coaching real-world problem discovery.

  • Scaling H4D within Universities – Tactics for securing institutional buy-in, funding, and multi-year program sustainability.

  • Student Team Success & Transition – Supporting students from coursework to real-world deployment.

  • Networking & Collaboration – Exclusive opportunities to connect with national security experts and fellow educators.

Built For Educators

The Summit is designed for instructors teaching H4D and other national security innovation courses. Whether you’re new to the program or a returning educator, you’ll receive practical tools, expert guidance, and direct engagement with national security stakeholders to enhance your course delivery.

Advanced Training & Pedagogical Support: Mastering Lean Startup methodology for problem discovery and commercialization.

Direct National Security Engagement: Facilitated connections with DoD problem sponsors, industry partners, and research institutions.

University Integration & Institutionalization: Support for securing funding, cross-disciplinary engagement, and program sustainability.

Mentorship & Peer Learning: Access to a network of educators, national security leaders, and innovation experts.

Certification & Recognition: Pathways to becoming an H4D Certified Educator, Faculty Mentor, and Regional Leader.

REGISTER

We’re committed to empowering educators as key drivers of national security innovation in education.
This training will equip you with the skills, network, and resources to lead and expand H4D within your university and beyond.