The Percy Hobart Fellowship

The Percy Hobart Fellowship, run by PUBLIC on behalf of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, was developed by Daniel Korski, CEO and co-founder of PUBLIC. PUBLIC brings together experience from the public sector, technology and finance to help solve public problems through technology. The team is led by Daniel Korski, ex-deputy head of the No.10 policy unit and venture investor, Alexander de Carvalho.

The programme aims to drive a culture of innovation in Defence -  teaching specialist RN and RAF personnel to identify the needs of today’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and secure the most effective technologies and tools to meet these needs.  This year, PUBLIC adapted the curriculum for 2021 to reflect the UK Government’s Integrated Review, aiming to “embrace innovation in science and technology to boost national prosperity and strategic advantage’. Subjects covered during the course included:

• Emerging technologies and their applications in defence;
• The importance of understanding end-user needs;
• Shifting traditional attitudes toward Defence Innovation;

The Fellowship inducts Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel into the tech ecosystem, seconding them into civilian-led start-ups for two to three days a week, alongside a taught curriculum covering the emerging technology landscape and fundamentals of building a business in the rest of the week. 

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The Percy Hobart Fellowship worked with 45 Fellows across the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and US Navy for 12 weeks. Fellows return to their ranks with a sophisticated awareness of the fundamentals of technology and entrepreneurship and

have the opportunity to continue their engagement with the scheme via the Percy Hobart Fellowship Alumni programme.