What we do
Accelerating innovation through expert communication
Giving you the knowledge and skills to make a difference
Our training programmes transform how defence and security professionals communicate complex science and technology, accelerating the journey from laboratory breakthrough to frontline capability. By building communication excellence across the sector, we multiply our impact – helping more innovations reach the users who need them most.
Media training
Whether you're a scientist explaining breakthrough research, an engineer demonstrating new capabilities, or a business leader securing investment, effective media communication drives adoption and exploitation of your innovations.
Our media training addresses the unique challenges of defence and security communication – from navigating security restrictions to translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
Face-to-face intensive training
Deep-dive sessions with mock interviews led by real journalists to build confidence and competence.
Virtual skills development
Virtual live sessions or flexible online modules covering key message development through to handling challenging questions under pressure and getting set up for a successful interview.
Why choose Canny for media training?
- Defence and security specialists who understand your technical challenges
- Training designed around security constraints
- Practical experience with MOD stakeholders and sector media
- Focus on exploitation – getting your innovations noticed and adopted
Canny Experts membership programme
Our premium subscription service transforms technical and scientific experts into confident public voices, directly supporting innovation exploitation through enhanced media visibility.
The challenge: Despite deep technical knowledge, many STEM experts struggle with public communication due to confidence gaps, security concerns, complex translation requirements, and limited media experience.
Our solution: A structured programme providing comprehensive training, proactive media opportunities, and ongoing support to build your profile as a trusted industry voice.
Why this matters: More expert voices in media means better-informed public discourse, increased collaboration, and stronger counter-narratives to disinformation about defence and security technologies.
Programme benefits:
- Expert coaching with quarterly progress reviews
- Proactive media opportunity matching based on your expertise
- Security-aware message development and media training
- Access to growing content library and networking events
- Performance-based progression pathway
Bespoke training solutions
Every organisation faces unique communication challenges. Our bespoke training services are designed around your specific needs, whether you're a startup seeking investment, an established supplier building stakeholder relationships, or a government team driving technology adoption.
Our approach:
- Detailed needs assessment to understand your challenges
- Customised curriculum addressing your specific scenarios
- Practical exercises using your real projects and stakeholders
- Ongoing support and refresher sessions
- Wrap-around coaching and mentoring
Popular programmes include:
- Investor pitch development for tech startups
- Stakeholder engagement for government research teams
- Crisis communication for sensitive programmes
- Technical presentation skills for customer demonstrations
- Storytelling workshops
- Strategic LinkedIn development
Why our training works:
Our team combines deep technical understanding with proven communication expertise. We're kind, knowledgeable, and intensely practical – focusing on real-world applications that drive immediate improvement.
Reputation Masterclass
Join defence leaders, innovators, and communicators for our acclaimed annual event bringing together the sector's most influential voices.
What makes it special:
- World-class speakers from across MOD, industry, and academia
- Cutting-edge topics addressing current sector challenges
- Unparalleled networking with senior decision-makers
- Practical insights you can implement immediately
Our unique position within the defence ecosystem enables us to curate speaker lineups representing the breadth of innovation and leadership across the sector. From government officials to specialist journalists, startup founders to research scientists – Reputation Masterclass showcases the voices shaping our sector's future.
Event proceeds support Heropreneurs
This premium event operates as a charity fundraiser, ensuring your attendance supports those who have served.
Why training matters for defence innovation
Every successful scientific and technology transfer starts with effective communication. By building communication capabilities across the sector, we accelerate the exploitation pathway from research to operational capability.
The multiplication effect: Train one expert communicator, and their enhanced skills amplify the impact of every project they touch. Train a team, and you transform an organisation's ability to secure funding, attract partners, and drive adoption.
Our mission in action: Great science and technology in the hands of users, faster. Training is how we scale our impact beyond individual projects to sector-wide transformation.
