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Brainwaves make waves at Clyde as innovation event reaps positive results
30 July 2025
Brainwaves make waves at Clyde as innovation event reaps positive results
The hugely-successful Innovation Week was coordinated by the Clyde X Team and consisted of a series of workshops designed to improve Clyde’s ability to create positive change through application of innovation skills, understanding and connections.
The recent announcement of £250 million investment for HMNB Clyde presented the ideal opportunity to look to the future. The spending will support upgrades to infrastructure and the working environment, ensuring the site is ready to accommodate the next-generation of nuclear submarines including the Dreadnought-class (which will carry the nuclear deterrent) and SSN-AUKUS (the Royal Navy's future attack class that will replace the Astute-class fleet).
This four-day innovation event connected people and departments, encouraging them to think about how, together, they can influence changes to improve the support for the Submarine Service of today and the future.
Clyde’s version of Dragon’s Den or ‘Dreadnought Den’ as it was named, was the highlight of the week. Six teams pitched their ideas to the Dreadnoughts all hoping that their ideas would be chosen as the winner and be put into practice.
Each team had 15 minutes to impress the Dreadnoughts with their solution to change with a range of pitches from various departments across the Naval Base.
The standout favourite was the visitor pass idea pitched by Captain Jools Scott from Base Security who delivered a masterclass in evidence-based problem-solving, earning recognition for both best pitch and most innovative proposal. With the Base Security Team receiving almost 2, 000 visitor requests every month, this innovative idea could significantly reduce the time and resource spent processing these requests.
43 Commando Royal Marines – who ensure the security of the nation’s nuclear deterrent on the base and neighbouring Coulport – came in a close second with an idea to introduce a new system of reporting infrastructure issues. Their suggestion of face-to-face interaction would mean those involved could discuss potential solutions which would have better results for everyone.
All pitches were so impressive that they will each receive support and guidance with how to take their ideas further to drive real change.
As well as the workshops, there was a series of keynote speakers including Keith Beckett, SDA Technical Director, Greg Lawton, CEO Nodes and Links and Commodore Sharon Malkin, Naval Base Commander, Clyde.