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 pitched their solutions to a panel of judges at the Singapore Echelon Asia Summit 2023 that took place in May.
The Awards returns in 2025 featuring two challenge statements: (1) Climate and Health; and (2) Smart Resilience – two powerful themes that reflect today's most urgent challenges. The former addresses the growing threat of health impacts of climate change, from disease outbreaks to health infrastructure collapse. The latter focuses on leveraging technology to enhance disaster preparedness, real-time response, and efficient recovery – enabling communities to bounce back stronger and faster. Together, they spotlight the urgent need for integrated, tech-drive life-saving innovations. Seven leading disaster-tech companies from the initial 112 applications across 31 countries will pitch at the Finals for a share from a pool of USD 150,000 and a feature at Echelon 2025 in Singapore.