The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards finds, funds and supports innovative technology solutions which save lives before, during and after natural disaster events.
It does so by:
- Raising awareness of innovative technology solutions that saves lives before, during and after natural disaster events
- Building capacity for Awards finalists
- Fostering partnerships between innovators, funders and resource providers
In 2019, finalists won grants from a total pool of US$150,000 to support the implementation and scaling up of their Disaster Tech solutions. In addition, finalists showcased their solutions and built further partnerships at the 2019 AVPN Conference, the largest gathering of social impact funders and resource providers in Asia.
Following the successful inaugural event, the platform re-launched in 2021 taking place virtually, and a grant of US$200,000 was shared between the finalists and runners-up to support the implementation and scaling of their technology solutions. Prudence Foundation provided $150,000 of the grant while Lenovo provided $50,000 and in-kind support.
The third iteration of the Awards returned in 2023, offering the chance for participating startups and nonprofits an opportunity to win grants from more than US$200,000 cash awards and AWS cloud credits. Over 110 applicants participated, and through mentoring and coaching, and three stages of elimination, Finalists were invited to pitch their solutions to a panel of judges at the
Singapore Echelon Asia Summit 2023 that took place in May.