Innovation Ignited: The Rise of Disaster Tech and Youth Entrepreneurship in Africa
March 17, 2025, 9:53 am
Location: United States, Washington, Seattle
Employees: 1-10
Founded date: 2006
Total raised: $8.31B
In a world increasingly threatened by climate change, innovation is the lifeline. Two recent initiatives spotlight this truth: the Prudence Foundation's 2025 Disaster Tech Awards and the Orange Summer Challenge. Both aim to harness creativity and technology to tackle pressing global issues.
The Prudence Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Prudential plc, is back with its fourth edition of the SAFE STEPS Disaster Tech (D-Tech) Awards. This competition is a beacon for innovators worldwide. It invites them to showcase technology solutions that enhance disaster resilience. The stakes are high. With over $150,000 in cash prizes and support from major players like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the United Nations, the awards promise to amplify voices that can make a difference.
The D-Tech Awards are not just about competition. They are a call to action. Climate change is a relentless adversary, and its impacts on health are profound. The World Health Organization has labeled climate change as the biggest threat to human health. The urgency is palpable. The 2025 D-Tech Awards will focus on two critical tracks: “Climate & Health” and “Smart Resilience.” These tracks are designed to address the dual challenges of environmental degradation and public health crises.
Applications for the awards are open until March 21, 2025. Innovators are encouraged to step forward. The awards culminate in a live pitch event at Echelon Singapore 2025, providing a platform for ideas to take flight. This is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for solutions that can save lives.
Meanwhile, the Orange Summer Challenge is lighting up the entrepreneurial landscape in Francophone Africa. This initiative, part of the Orange Digital Centers network, empowers young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses. The latest edition saw 282 participants from 14 countries. They received coaching and mentorship from industry experts, including partners like AWS and NOKIA.
The challenge culminated in Casablanca, where three startups emerged victorious. Plastikoo from Madagascar won first place. This innovative company tackles pollution by converting plastic waste into sustainable building materials. It’s a perfect example of turning trash into treasure. Second place went to MEPS from Tunisia, which uses IoT technology to convert organic waste into clean biogas and fertilizer. Finally, Leevlong, a medical device startup, secured third place with its real-time vital sign monitoring solution.
These winners are not just entrepreneurs; they are change-makers. They address societal challenges head-on. The support from Orange and NOKIA, including financial backing and technical assistance, will help these startups scale their impact. The prize money is significant, with a total of €60,000 (about $63,000) awarded to the winners. This investment in youth innovation is a testament to the potential of African talent.
Both the D-Tech Awards and the Orange Summer Challenge highlight a crucial trend: the intersection of technology and social impact. As climate change intensifies, the need for innovative solutions becomes more urgent. The D-Tech Awards aim to create a supportive ecosystem for innovators. They seek to unlock financing for market-ready solutions that can scale. This is not just about technology; it’s about resilience.
The partnership between Prudence Foundation and AVPN (Asian Venture Philanthropy Network) is a strategic move to bridge funding gaps in climate adaptation. The project aims to guide investors and foster investment flows into climate and health solutions. It’s a proactive approach to a looming crisis. The collaboration underscores the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges.
In contrast, the Orange Summer Challenge focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among youth. It recognizes that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the innovators of today. By providing resources and mentorship, the challenge empowers them to create solutions that resonate with their communities. This grassroots approach is vital for sustainable development.
The stories of the D-Tech Awards and the Orange Summer Challenge are intertwined. They reflect a growing recognition of the power of innovation in the face of adversity. As climate change poses unprecedented challenges, these initiatives serve as a reminder that solutions often come from the most unexpected places.
In conclusion, the Prudence Foundation’s D-Tech Awards and the Orange Summer Challenge are more than competitions. They are movements. They embody the spirit of resilience and innovation. As we navigate the complexities of climate change and health crises, these initiatives shine a light on the path forward. They remind us that with creativity, collaboration, and commitment, we can build a more resilient future. The world is watching. The time for action is now.
The Prudence Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Prudential plc, is back with its fourth edition of the SAFE STEPS Disaster Tech (D-Tech) Awards. This competition is a beacon for innovators worldwide. It invites them to showcase technology solutions that enhance disaster resilience. The stakes are high. With over $150,000 in cash prizes and support from major players like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the United Nations, the awards promise to amplify voices that can make a difference.
The D-Tech Awards are not just about competition. They are a call to action. Climate change is a relentless adversary, and its impacts on health are profound. The World Health Organization has labeled climate change as the biggest threat to human health. The urgency is palpable. The 2025 D-Tech Awards will focus on two critical tracks: “Climate & Health” and “Smart Resilience.” These tracks are designed to address the dual challenges of environmental degradation and public health crises.
Applications for the awards are open until March 21, 2025. Innovators are encouraged to step forward. The awards culminate in a live pitch event at Echelon Singapore 2025, providing a platform for ideas to take flight. This is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for solutions that can save lives.
Meanwhile, the Orange Summer Challenge is lighting up the entrepreneurial landscape in Francophone Africa. This initiative, part of the Orange Digital Centers network, empowers young innovators to transform ideas into viable businesses. The latest edition saw 282 participants from 14 countries. They received coaching and mentorship from industry experts, including partners like AWS and NOKIA.
The challenge culminated in Casablanca, where three startups emerged victorious. Plastikoo from Madagascar won first place. This innovative company tackles pollution by converting plastic waste into sustainable building materials. It’s a perfect example of turning trash into treasure. Second place went to MEPS from Tunisia, which uses IoT technology to convert organic waste into clean biogas and fertilizer. Finally, Leevlong, a medical device startup, secured third place with its real-time vital sign monitoring solution.
These winners are not just entrepreneurs; they are change-makers. They address societal challenges head-on. The support from Orange and NOKIA, including financial backing and technical assistance, will help these startups scale their impact. The prize money is significant, with a total of €60,000 (about $63,000) awarded to the winners. This investment in youth innovation is a testament to the potential of African talent.
Both the D-Tech Awards and the Orange Summer Challenge highlight a crucial trend: the intersection of technology and social impact. As climate change intensifies, the need for innovative solutions becomes more urgent. The D-Tech Awards aim to create a supportive ecosystem for innovators. They seek to unlock financing for market-ready solutions that can scale. This is not just about technology; it’s about resilience.
The partnership between Prudence Foundation and AVPN (Asian Venture Philanthropy Network) is a strategic move to bridge funding gaps in climate adaptation. The project aims to guide investors and foster investment flows into climate and health solutions. It’s a proactive approach to a looming crisis. The collaboration underscores the importance of collective action in addressing global challenges.
In contrast, the Orange Summer Challenge focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among youth. It recognizes that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the innovators of today. By providing resources and mentorship, the challenge empowers them to create solutions that resonate with their communities. This grassroots approach is vital for sustainable development.
The stories of the D-Tech Awards and the Orange Summer Challenge are intertwined. They reflect a growing recognition of the power of innovation in the face of adversity. As climate change poses unprecedented challenges, these initiatives serve as a reminder that solutions often come from the most unexpected places.
In conclusion, the Prudence Foundation’s D-Tech Awards and the Orange Summer Challenge are more than competitions. They are movements. They embody the spirit of resilience and innovation. As we navigate the complexities of climate change and health crises, these initiatives shine a light on the path forward. They remind us that with creativity, collaboration, and commitment, we can build a more resilient future. The world is watching. The time for action is now.