As Harvard students enter the workforce, they’re increasingly feeling the pull of defense technology firms. Companies like Palantir, Anduril, and Shield AI are actively recruiting talent from the university, drawn by Harvard’s strong programs in fields like engineering, business, and national security.
The Rise of Defense Tech
The defense tech sector has seen significant growth in recent years, with seed funding rounds increasing by over 80% between 2018 and 2023 compared to the previous six years. This surge is driven in part by global events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has highlighted the need for advanced military technologies. Harvard students are at the forefront of this trend, founding startups that develop innovative solutions such as autonomous drones, data-labeling infrastructure, and virtual reality training programs for the military.
The Harvard Innovation Labs and the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School provide crucial support for these student entrepreneurs. The Belfer Center’s QLab accelerator has already shown significant success, helping numerous startups secure funding and government contracts. The QLab, which focuses on national security-focused startups, has attracted over 75 student applications and has helped teams raise capital and sell to government contractors.
Harvard’s Defense Tech Ecosystem
Harvard’s institutional ties to the defense establishment date back decades, with the university contributing to significant military research and development projects during World War II. Today, the university continues to foster a strong defense tech ecosystem through various programs and initiatives. The Harvard Business School’s Technology and National Security Conference has become a major event in the field, attracting top defense officials and industry leaders.
Students are drawn to defense tech for various reasons, including the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to national security. Many also see the potential for their work to have broader civilian applications, continuing a historical trend where military-funded research leads to significant technological advancements.
As the defense tech industry continues to grow, Harvard is well-positioned to remain a key player in developing the next generation of leaders and innovators in this field. The university’s strong programs, resources, and connections to the defense establishment create a fertile ground for students to explore careers in defense technology and launch successful startups.
