MODHack is a unique opportunity to collaborate with software developers, data scientists and innovators to develop ideas and solutions for mining of the deep web, using a range of open source tools and services and build something that has the potential to support the national security of the UK. MODHack will run from midday on Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September at Wallacespace, London and is being hosted by Dstl and the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN).

MODHack forms one aspect of the wider Catalysing Defence Innovation through Science and Technology (CDIST) project, under which MOD is looking at new approaches for innovation, and mechanisms for engaging with non-traditional Defence suppliers.

There is a huge volume of non-classified and publically available information that could be exploited by the MOD in order to ensure the security of the UK. Today’s web searches use a centralised, one-size-fits-all approach that searches the Internet with the same set of tools for all queries. While that model has been wildly successful commercially, it does not work well for many government cases. The goal of the event will be to help invent better methods for interacting with and sharing information, so users can quickly and thoroughly organise and search subsets of information relevant to their individual interests. Creation of a new domain-specific indexing and search paradigm will provide mechanisms for improved content discovery, information extraction, information retrieval, user collaboration, and extension of current search capabilities to the deep web, and non-traditional (eg multimedia) content.

Dstl is collaborating with the United States Department of Defense, Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA). Participants may want to consider building on the Open Source tools developed by DARPA under the Memex Programme. The list of Memex tools can be found here. Dstl experts will be on hand to assist with Memex and provide a Cloud development environment. All you need to do is bring your laptop and be up for it! Please note Dstl/MOD will not have a claim on any Intellectual Property you create. You build it, you keep it. Support will be given to the most promising proofs of concept to get a market ready minimum viable product (MVP).

The Proofs of Concept developed will be judged and there will be awards in various categories for coding and concept skills. An exclusive prize is up for grabs to the team that develops the overall winning project - a day out with the Royal Navy Underwater Escape Training Unit at Yeovilton including a dip in the Dunker, dinner in the Officers’ Mess, and a tour of the Fleet Air Arm museum.

To register your interest in attending MODHack, visit EventBrite. Come as a team - or join one on the day.

Please also note, by confirming your attendance at this event, you have agreed to the filming, video, photography and vox pops that will be taken throughout the weekend and the use of these images after the event. If you do not wish to be photographed/filmed please make us aware upon arrival at the event.