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 that took place in May.
The Awards returned in 2025 with two powerful challenge statements: (1) Climate and Health; and (2) Smart Resilience – themes that reflect today's most urgent global challenges. The Climate and Health track addresses the growing threat of climate-related health impacts, from disease outbreaks to the collapse of health infrastructure. The Smart Resilience track focuses on leveraging technology to enhance disaster preparedness, real-time response, and efficient recovery – enabling communities to bounce back stronger and faster. From 112 applications across 31 countries, seven leading disaster-tech innovators were selected to pitch their solutions at the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards 2025 Finals, held at in Singapore. Competing for a share of over USD 160,000, the finalists showcased breakthrough technologies addressing climate and health risks, and disaster resilience. The event, held in June, underscored the urgent need for integrated, tech-driven innovations that can save lives and help communities withstand and recover from crises.