Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Two-day ‘hackathon’ produces string of potential apps to tackle ‘pain points’
20 August 2025
An app which could save sailors and marines hundreds of hours when sorting out mess accommodation was the winning idea from a two-day hackathon.
‘AirMOD’ – a play on the hugely successful AirBnB website/app – impressed some of the leading experts in the digital industry who supported the inaugural Royal Navy Power Platform Hackathon.
It was one of seven ideas/apps put forward by teams drawn from all backgrounds and branches, all units, all parts of the Navy/Royal Marines, officers/ratings/ranks, civil servants.
“Normally at these events you get a few drop-outs, but this was totally packed out! It shows how motivated people are,” said a delighted Leading Hand Adam Schofield of Navy Digital DNA.
“Together, we can unlock the full digital potential of our workforce and deliver meaningful, lasting change.”
Attendees were treated to an ‘app-in-a-day’ course by industry expert, demonstrating the art of the possible – and then used those newly-acquired skills to tackle ‘digital pain points’.
They came up with solutions, then worked with Power Platform experts from Kerv and Digi2al to develop apps in just a few hours. “I wasn’t aware of the Power Apps functionality before today,” said Captain Shaun Riordan of DE&S, the MOD's equipment and support arm.
“Even though the problems addressed were commonplace, I was impressed by how we can use tools to come up with solutions and make our people more effective. Take the energy and ideas back to your units and encourage others to continue the good work.”
All the teams achieved at least a minimum viable product to present to the judging panel who were blown away by what was possible with the tools available to us all.
Among the app ideas:
- an automated system for gathering data rather than storing email requests on a spreadsheet;
- an app/database for deploying units to ensure that all documentation is in date, down to something as simple as a passport;
- tracking RFIs in the deployed/battle space for internal use;
- enhanced ordering system for obtaining items from an iHUB, informing users when the order is ready for collection;
- a universal joining routine, saving time and reducing the administrative burden, replacing stamps and six paper forms containing shared/repetitive fields.
The Hackathon was a great opportunity to meet professional developers, who could really expand our knowledge on the best practice for developing our own apps.
And the winning app? AirMoD (Air standing for Accommodation, Information, Reservation and MoD for, er, MoD), which drastically improves booking accommodation in messes for individuals or groups.
The six-strong team led by Lieutenant Sam Budd of 1710 Naval Air Squadron reckon their app could reduce the time it takes to sort out accommodation to one tenth of what it is at present.
They used a searchable map of where people might need to stay. Coupled with a smooth, simple interface and allowing a group ID for multiple members, AirMod would allow users to “book in you and your mates”.
It would be supported by an auto-approval process to ensure the right person was requesting accommodation from the right level of mess, which would then be contacted to make the appropriate arrangements. Once booked, the group organiser/individual receives an email confirmation.
Among those impressed by AirMoD was Hackathon judge Callum Pine from software giant Microsoft. “This is a great example of taking something which works brilliantly in the commercial sector and applying it to the MoD. It’s something the MoD should do more often,” he said.
Whether the apps or ideas won or not, all participants found the Hackathon extremely useful for expanding horizons and nurturing ideas – and the presence of experts made a real difference.
“The Hackathon was a great opportunity to meet professional developers, who could really expand our knowledge on the best practice for developing our own apps,” said Corporal Cameron March from the HQ of UK Commando Forces.
“After a fantastic two days I felt like I could return to my unit with a good base knowledge to start integrating what we learnt into our own solutions.”
Cdr Tom Hudson from JTEPS added: “The app-in-a-day course and Hackathon event gave attendees the knowledge and skills to create new software applications to save time and resources.
“This has energised an innovative culture whereby business areas can develop solutions for themselves, and benefit from expert advice and through life support from DNA's professional developers.”
And from civil servant Stephanie Griffiths: “To me the Hackathon was a great opportunity for technology driven people to solve problems and develop digital supported solutions and capabilities with a user-centric approach.
“This will enable the design, build and implementation of long-lasting effective change within a supported and governed framework, using existing tools.”