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All Eyes Should be on Disaster Tech
1.7B
Population Affected by
Natural Disasters
in the Past Decade
83%
Of all Natural Disasters
are Caused by Extreme
Weather and Climate
410K
People Killed by Weather
and Climate Disasters in
the Past Decade
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What is D-Tech (Disaster Tech)?

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).

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Why you should get involved
Amidst escalating threats of climate change-induced disasters worldwide, the imperative to raise awareness, enhance resilience, and bolster solutions for disaster mitigation has reached unprecedented levels. The repercussions extend beyond human lives, as countries grapple with exorbitant economic burdens. Despite the pressing demand, there remains a deficiency in both financial and non-financial support for scaling up effective solutions in this realm.
Technological innovation emerges as a pivotal player in advancing disaster preparedness, recovery, and resilience, aligning with the global Climate Adaptation and Resilience agenda. Collaborative efforts and technology utilization can foster the creation of more robust communities capable of withstanding and rebounding from disasters.
The D-Tech Programme
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Build Connections at the
D-Tech Community Hub

Connect with innovators, experts, and enthusiasts in our vibrant hub dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and advancing technology solutions for disaster resilience.

Attend thought-provoking events featuring industry leaders and influencers, participate in dynamic workshops that push the boundaries of innovation, or simply engage in conversations with like-minded individuals who share your passion for advancing technology solutions in disaster resilience.

Join the D-Tech Community
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Get inspired by SAFE STEPS
D-Tech Awards 2023 startups

Explore the highlights and achievements of the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards 2023 startups, celebrating groundbreaking technologies that make a difference in disaster response and recovery.

Discover the stories behind each startup, each one a testament to the power of ingenuity and resilience. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards 2023 have identified and celebrated those trailblazing ventures that are not just developing technologies but are actively making a positive impact on disaster-affected communities worldwide.

Discover More
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Read about the virtual launch of
the D-Tech Community Hub

Last March 2024, Prudence Foundation held a virtual launch for the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub, which aimed to gather innovators in disaster tech. The hub is the first globally accessible platform for disaster tech startups, innovators, implementers, and investors to network, form partnerships and collaborate together for a more resilient future.

Read Here
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Be the future of D-Tech
at the 2025 D-Tech Awards

Position yourself as a catalyst for impactful change by actively engaging in an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of disaster technology. Join us in this prestigious event where innovation takes center stage, and be a driving force in contributing to a safer and more resilient world. Seize the opportunity to contribute to a safer world by participating in the 2025 D-Tech Awards and be a catalyst for impactful change.

Apply Now
How to get involved
D-Tech Community Startups & Partners
Explore Innovative Startups, NGOs, and Collaborative Partners in the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub. Resilience leaders who have a “ready, set, respond” mindset.
Castomize
DayZero Water
SI Analytics
Solnovation
Stratificare logo
Kinetic Analysis Corporation
LivingWaters Systems logo
Wateroam logo
AB Data Consultant
Alerto PH
Aster
Bike Scouts
Enable The Disable Action
Esastho
Go Bike Project
H3 Dynamics
Kacific Broadband
Lycan Motorcycles
Quickblock
Ship60
Tapp Global
Trinity Eco
Tun Yat
Usher Technologies
Wealthryse
AI Verfify Foundation
Help Gebirah
I-Farmer Asia
Operva AI
Saveme Indonesia
Schedio Scientific Private LTD
ALSiSAR IMPACT - COMMUNITY PARTNER
BluC53 - COMMUNITY PARTNER
Connected Women - COMMUNITY PARTNER
e27 logo
iCUBE Innovation - COMMUNITY PARTNER
IDEASPACE & QBO - COMMUNITY PARTNER
IFRC logo
STIMSON CENTER - COMMUNITY PARTNER
Animo Labs
AVPN
BATSU TNEU
Blackstorm Consulting
DCS1
Green Transformation and Sustainability Network.
Ground Shaking
Hatch
IES-INCA
PDRF
Plan International
PRecious Communications
TBN Asia
Amazon Web Services
Angel Scions
JFDI Asia
Ministry of National Development Singapore
Nonpublic
Ogilvy
Orangenest Incubator
Startup Village
Techshake
Ready, Set, Respond! Be part of the D-Tech Community Hub
Connecting Leaders Around the World to Build Tomorrow's Resilience, Today.
Ready yourself, set up for success and respond by joining the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub.
Join the D-Tech Community
Resources
Informative reads for a safer tomorrow.
D-Tech Upcoming Events
Join the D-Tech Community Hub and elevate your knowledge through exclusive upcoming events.
Virtual Workshop: General Partnerships Towards Scaling Reach & Operations in Asia
Using the case of Stimson Center and Asia as a basis, this workshop will delve into the power of collaboration and how partnerships can drive business expansion, enhance business efficiencies, and open new market opportunities for those wishing to enter Asia.
Learn More
D-Tech Upcoming Events Photo
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SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards

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

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Challenge Statements
Challenge 1 - Climate and Health

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?

Sample Use Cases:
  • 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.
Challenge 2 - Smart Resilience

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?

Sample Use Cases:
  • 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.
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Prizes & Recognition
Shortlisted semi-finalists and finalists will receive the following rewards worth up to USD153,000 in value.
Prizes for Each Track
  • 1st Place: USD 35,000
  • 2nd Place: USD 25,000
  • 3rd Place: USD 15,000
The Top 3 finalists in each track will also receive:
  • Additional USD 3,000 travel subsidy to attend the Live Finals Pitch at Echelon Singapore 2025
  • Pitching Opportunity at Echelon Singapore 2025
  • Exhibition Booth at Echelon Singapore 2025
  • Exclusive features in our e27 article and social media post-program coverage
  • 3 min video production for each finalist
Other Top 10 Semi-Finalists (per track):
Cloud technology support i.e. cloud credits, technical support, available to finalists (subject to AWS terms and conditions)
Apply Now
Highlights from SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards 2023
Re-watch the highlights from the 2023 SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards, where groundbreaking innovations and outstanding contributions in disaster technology took center stage.
SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards 2023
Discover how these innovators are making a difference in disaster technology and driving positive change.
About Prudence Foundation
Prudence Foundation is the community investment arm of Prudential plc in Asia and Africa. Its mission is to create a better future for communities by making them safer and more resilient to life’s risks. The Foundation runs regional programmes as well as local programmes in partnership with NGOs, governments and the private sector in order to maximize the impact of its efforts. Prudence Foundation leverages Prudential’s long term mindset and geographical scale to make communities safer, more secure and more resilient. The Foundation is a Hong Kong registered charitable entity.
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Strategic Partners
Learn about our strategic partners who play a pivotal role in advancing disaster technology.
e27 logo partner
E27

Founded in 2007, e27 has a strong mandate to give all entrepreneurs a winning chance to succeed; providing them with relevant tools and resources to build and scale their companies in Asia's tech ecosystem. e27 provides a go-to platform for connections, insights, funding, and more. Everything you would need to build a billion-dollar company.

IFRC logo partner
IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network, comprising 190 member National Societies that work to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud. Millions of customers, including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies, are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. AWS enables disaster response organizations to access cloud services at the edge, even in the harshest conditions, and supports communities throughout the disaster lifecycle by improving access to AWS technologies and providing technical expertise and prototype development.

UNDRR
UNDRR

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) leads global efforts in reducing disaster risk and building resilience. As the custodian of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNDRR supports countries, communities, and the private sector in strengthening preparedness and mitigating disaster impacts. Through policy guidance, capacity-building, and partnerships, UNDRR promotes a risk-informed approach to sustainable development.

D-Tech Awards and Community Hub FAQs
Who can apply?

Any startup, company, or organization—whether for-profit or non-profit—from anywhere in the world can apply. Applicants must be a legally registered entity with proof of business or non-profit registration. There is no minimum or maximum team size requirement, as long as the organization is legally registered.

The competition is not limited to tech companies; organizations that leverage technology to scale their impact in disaster management are also eligible. This includes solutions where technology plays a role in enabling efficiency, scalability, or innovation in building disaster resilience. While low-tech solutions may still be considered, no-tech solutions are not eligible.

However, we do not accept applications that are purely ideas. Applicants must have a demonstrable product in place.

Is D-Tech part of Top100? If I apply for Top100 competition organized by e27, can I still apply for D-Tech Awards? Can I join both?
We are separate programs on its own, with its own coaching, mentorship, and pitching sessions. Yes, you can apply to both Top100 and D-Tech Awards.
I’m a non-profit, can I apply for the D-Tech Awards?
Yes, we accept both non-profit and for-profit organizations to apply.
How do I apply for the D-Tech Awards?

SAFE STEPS D-Tech Application is open from 3 February 2023 to 21 March 2023, early registration is also welcome.

Please note that applications are accepted in English only. The application form requires you to provide information about your organisation and your D-Tech solution:
  • Applicant Profile
  • Organization Profile
  • Problem Statement and Solution
  • Team Information
  • Fundraising Information (if available)
  • Sustainability and Long-term Viability
What time zone would the D-Tech Awards event be?
All activities including pitching, coaching and mentorship sessions are conducted in the APAC time zone.
What is the judging criteria for the D-Tech Awards?
The application will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Disaster Relevance and Applicability: The alignment of the solution with real-world disaster management challenges and its applicability in addressing specific phases such as preparedness, response, recovery, or prevention.
  • Technology Feasibility and Readiness: The practicality of the solution's technology for immediate deployment, its stage of development (prototype, pilot, or market-ready), and its ability to function effectively under disaster conditions.
  • Scalability: The potential of the solution to expand its reach across different regions, disaster scenarios, or populations, while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Impact Potential: The ability of the solution to significantly reduce risks, save lives, or enhance recovery efforts in disaster-prone areas.
  • Resilience and Sustainability: The solution’s ability to maintain performance during disasters and contribute to long-term disaster resilience, while minimizing negative environmental or social impacts.
What is the timeline for the D-Tech Awards and how do I know if my startup / organization is shortlisted?
3 Feb 2025 Call for applications opens
21 Mar 2025 Call for application ends
2 Apr 2025 Top 10 shortlisted companies from each track will be announced
Apr 2025 Virtual Coaching and Mentorship Sessions
30 Apr 2025 Virtual D-Tech Awards 2025 Semi-Finals Pitch
2 May 2025 Top 3 finalists from each track will be announced
May 2025 Booth logistics and travel arrangement for the 6 finalists
11 Jun 2025 Live D-Tech Awards 2025 Finals Pitch at Echelon Singapore 2025

Shortlisted candidates above must be able to join the Virtual Semi-Finals Pitch and the Live Pitch at Echelon Singapore 2025. Non-attendance will be disqualified.

Important Note:

Early submissions are highly encouraged because we can still assist you if you have any questions and it gives you more time to work on your application before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For enquiries, please email francesca@e27.co with the subject “D-Tech Awards 2025 Application Enquiry”.

APPLY NOW

Who can join the D-Tech Community Hub?
Anyone interested in contributing to the field of disaster technology, including innovators, experts, and organizations.
What benefits do members of the D-Tech Community Hub receive?
Gain access to exclusive events, workshops, and networking opportunities. 
How can I become a member of the D-Tech Community Hub?
Fill up this form to sign up. 
Do I have to pay to be part of the hub?
Membership is free and open to all passionate about leveraging technology for disaster resilience.
Are there any prerequisites for joining the D-Tech Community Hub?
No specific prerequisites are required. We encourage individuals and organizations with an interest in disaster technology to join and contribute to our growing community.
Ready, Set, Respond!
Be part of the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub
Connecting Leaders Around the World to Build Tomorrow's Resilience, Today.
Ready yourself, set up for success and respond by joining the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub.
Join the D-Tech Community
Prudence Foundation is the community investment arm of Prudential plc. Prudential is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc., a company whose principal place
of business is in the United States of America, nor with The Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.