The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards is an annual award that recognizes and rewards innovative projects that leverage disaster technology to enhance community resilience and disaster preparedness. The awards celebrate the achievements of projects that have successfully implemented disaster technologies, such as drones, sensors, and data analytics, to support community resilience, disaster response, and recovery efforts. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards aims to acknowledge the vital role that technology plays in building community resilience to disasters and promoting disaster risk reduction and management. By recognizing and supporting innovative projects, the awards encourage the development of new technologies and strategies that can improve disaster response and community resilience. The Prudential Group has a long-standing commitment to community investment, with a focus on enhancing community resilience and promoting disaster risk reduction and management. The Prudential Group’s community investment arm, the Prudence Foundation, has been actively supporting community-led initiatives and projects that leverage technology to improve disaster preparedness and response. The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Awards is a key component of the Prudential Group’s community investment strategy, and its fourth edition in 2025 will build on the success of previous years. The awards will be presented at a special ceremony in 2025, and the shortlisted projects will be announced in the coming months. The awards are open to projects from around the world, and the application process is now open. Interested parties can submit their applications until a certain deadline.
Key Partnerships and Objectives
The Prudence Foundation, in collaboration with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), aims to unlock financing support for market-ready solutions that are prepared to scale. This 18-month project is designed to provide a comprehensive framework for investors, innovators, and other stakeholders to work together effectively. • The project includes three main components:
Capacity-Building Support for Innovators
The capacity-building support component of the project is designed to equip innovators with the necessary skills and knowledge to scale their solutions.
The 2025 D-Tech Awards: Empowering Climate and Health Innovation
The 2025 D-Tech Awards, organized by Prudence Foundation and AVPN, are poised to become a beacon of hope for innovative solutions that address the pressing issues of climate change and community resilience.
Building Financial Wellbeing
The Prudence Foundation is dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all. To achieve this, the Foundation focuses on building financial wellbeing for underserved communities. This involves providing access to financial education, financial products, and services that cater to the unique needs of these communities. • The Foundation’s approach is centered around the concept of Financial Wellbeing, which encompasses not only financial stability but also emotional and psychological well-being. • By addressing the root causes of financial stress and insecurity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and families to take control of their financial lives and make informed decisions about their money.
SAFE STEPS D-Tech is a collaborative initiative between AVPN and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to leverage the collective expertise of both organizations to support the development of disaster resilience solutions.
Identifying and Supporting Innovative Solutions
SAFE STEPS D-Tech focuses on identifying and supporting innovative technology solutions that enhance disaster resilience. The initiative uses a collaborative approach to bring together experts from various fields to identify and develop solutions that address specific disaster risk management challenges. • Examples of innovative solutions supported by SAFE STEPS D-Tech include:
Funding and Support
SAFE STEPS D-Tech provides funding and support to innovative technology solutions that enhance disaster resilience. The initiative offers a range of funding options, including grants and loans, to support the development and implementation of solutions.
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