D-Tech (Disaster Tech) aims to protect and save human lives and livelihoods before, during or after natural disaster events. It refers to new technology or existing technology, used innovatively, to improve resilience against natural disaster events.

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards focuses on technology that can be applied either as a disaster-focus product or as part of the value chain that supports disaster early warning, preparedness, prevention, mitigation, relief, response or recovery.

D-Tech solutions can include technologies that enhance scale and efficiency in disaster resilience, as well as other forms of technological innovation (e.g. in chemistry, mechanical).

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards is created by Prudence Foundation and supported by humanitarian partner: IFRC and UNDRR, technology partner: AWS, and strategic partner: e27, for its 2025 edition. The Awards looks to find, fund and support technology solutions which aim to protect and save lives before, during or after natural disasters.

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards was created out of the belief that technological innovation has a significant role to play in improving disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience. With the increasing threats of climate change resulting in more intense and frequent disasters across the world, the need to generate awareness, build resilience and support solutions that mitigate or respond to disasters has never been greater. This need is especially magnified in Asia Pacific where half of the world's natural disaster events occur. In addition to the impact on human lives, countries in this region are left to bear the staggering economic costs of disasters. Despite this significant need, there is still a lack of financial and non-financial support to help viable solutions reach scale and maximize impact in this space.

Now in its fourth edition, the Awards looks to continue its work in catalyzing a network of support, raising awareness of the sector, and helping the remarkable companies that operate in this space grow and scale.

In partnership with e27, this year’s D-Tech Award will be leveraging e27’s TOP 100 Awards’ platform, leading to the finalist showcase at the Echelon Singapore 2025, the leading technology event in Asia that brings together technology entrepreneurs, companies and investors for opportunities across Asia’s emerging markets and ecosystem

Climate change is driving an increase in health crises, from disease outbreaks to extreme weather-related health impacts, highlighting the urgent need for scalable resilience solutions. Communities and healthcare systems need innovative ways to predict, prepare for, and respond to these challenges while addressing their long-term consequences. How can we develop technologies to safeguard public health and enhance healthcare delivery amidst environmental disruptions?

• Early warning systems for tracking disease outbreaks linked to changing climates, such as dengue and malaria.
• Portable clinics and off-grid power solutions for ensuring healthcare access during disaster events.
• Digital tools for managing mental health trauma resulting from climate-induced disasters.
• Pollution-mitigation technologies to reduce health impacts of extreme weather and water scarcity.

The increasing severity of disasters calls for smarter, more integrated approaches to preparedness, response, and recovery. While technology holds promise, many communities struggle to adopt solutions that effectively harness predictive analytics and real-time coordination. How can emerging technologies help governments, responders, and citizens collaborate to build resilient, adaptive disaster management systems?

• AI-powered predictive models to forecast disasters and enable proactive planning.
• Platforms to facilitate real-time collaboration among responders, communities, and government agencies.
• IoT-based infrastructure monitoring for rapid damage assessment and response.
• Mobile apps that empower citizens to contribute to preparedness and recovery efforts.