FOSTERING INNOVATION IN DEFENCE 

THE CHALLENGE

The client was poised to revolutionise the provisioning and resupply of engineering parts through Additive Manufacturing (AdM), seeking to create a resilient and sustainable support network that would enhance platform availability and support advantage for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the industry. Despite the availability of the necessary technology and processes, a significant gap existed in visibility and understanding of AdM capabilities within Defence circles. The client’s goal was to develop and conduct an unprecedented event that would bring together collaborative teams from across the MOD and industry to exhibit AdM technologies for practical scenarios, thereby elevating awareness within the Defence sector.

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THE SOLUTION

Whitetree undertook a proactive role in the project, focusing on three essential elements to ensure the event's success:

• Participant Recruitment: Whitetree managed the solicitation, analysis, and response to team applications, ensuring that a diverse and skilled set of participants were ready to showcase their AdM capabilities.

• Logistics Management: They coordinated the complex logistics necessary for the event, from equipment and material delivery to securing attendee access on MOD premises and orchestrating the event's activities schedule.

• Participant Support: Leading up to the event, Whitetree provided comprehensive support to participants, addressing both technical and logistical inquiries to facilitate a smooth event experience.

 

IMPLEMENTATION & RESULTS

The event, hosted at MOD Abbey Wood, was a resounding success:

• Over two days, 10 teams participated, and the event attracted more than 100 attendees, including MOD staff and VIPs, all of whom had the opportunity to engage with the AdM Hack as it unfolded.

• The event offered an interactive platform for participants to demonstrate their AdM solutions in real-time, fostering greater understanding and interest among Defence sector representatives.

• Key takeaways and lessons from the event were meticulously documented, with the insights set to be incorporated into various MOD initiatives to guide future AdM endeavours.

• Encouraged by the success and value derived from this event, plans for subsequent similar hack events were initiated.

 

​The initiative not only served to demonstrate the practical applications of AdM in Defence but also established a template for future innovation-driven events that could further integrate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies into Defence logistics and supply chains.