Ready. Set. Respond.

When individuals face the need to help and support vulnerable communities affected by natural disasters or calamities in today’s world, they take action. These actions also guide the values and beliefs of the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub.

The current generation is confronted with numerous challenges and issues stemming from dynamic and changing climate conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 400 natural disasters occurring annually due to climate change. Additionally, as reported by The Zebra, an estimated 218 million people are affected yearly by these calamities.

It is these statistics that led to the creation of the SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub. Driven by the belief that everyone should always be prepared for natural disasters and that collaboration is more effective than working alone, the hub is the first globally accessible platform for stakeholders in disaster tech and sustainability to work together towards a more resilient future.

Also read: Check out these key highlights from Echelon X!

To underscore the importance of collaborative efforts against natural calamities, the hub organised a pavilion exhibit and showcase of member startups at Echelon X. These startups have established themselves in the field of disaster risk management and reduction in Southeast Asia.

Meet the 8 startups championing various initiatives to address the world’s disasters

1) Wateroam

Co-founded by David Pong, Chong Tee Lim and Vincent Loka, Wateroam is a water innovation company that creates portable water filters to deliver safe drinking water to communities in rural and disaster-affected areas.

Wateroam has collaborated with organizations such as Red Cross, World Vision, and Mercy Relief to provide safe drinking water to 100,000 people in 38 countries. Recognized as a United Nations Young Leader for Sustainable Development Goal 6 – ensuring safe water and sanitation for all.

2) Castomize

Founded by Abel Teo and Jia Yee Teo, Castomize is an innovative med-tech startup that uses advanced manufacturing techniques to produce orthopedic casts that are durable and easy to wear.

Their vision is to create a world where everyone – regardless of financial or social status – can access healthcare needed to live life to the fullest.

3) StratifiCare Pte Ltd

StratifiCare specializes in the development and manufacturing of in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) assay solutions for personalized medicine. Led by Anthony Chua and Tiffany Fan Lin.

With over 50 years of combined experience in biomedical research and technology commercialization, the company is dedicated to supporting physicians in making informed decisions for individual patient care, thereby enhancing clinical and socioeconomic outcomes.

4) Solnovation Analytics Sdn. Bhd.

Based in Malaysia, Solnovation utilizes technology to enable customers to make informed decisions and improve lives in a universally connected ecosystem. They offer an industrial IoT platform, visual AI image tools, and algorithms to empower those in agriculture, commerce, logistics, and more to make data-driven decisions.

Founded by Cyril Mathias and Devan Rajam, Solnovation aims to help organizations enhance business yield, productivity, and efficiency through technology.

Also read: Break boundaries with Ideathon: 2040 Extended Intelligence

5) Usher Technologies

Usher Technologies is a startup in the Philippines that focuses on providing products and services to reinforce the safety and resilience of buildings and infrastructures against seismic events like earthquakes.

Led by Dr. Francis Uy, Usher Technologies utilizes structural monitoring and condition-based maintenance to protect urban communities from natural disasters.

6) Bike Scouts

Initiated by Myles Delfin in the Philippines in 2013, Bike Scouts is the only Volunteer Bicycle Messenger service catering to disaster response at the frontlines of natural disasters in the communities where they operate.

Bike Scouts believes in using bicycles and social teamwork to deliver help, hope, and courage wherever they operate.

7) TAPP! Global

Founded by Ryan Chan and Ee Jayden, TAPP! Global is a company that aims to enhance networking. They offer professional solutions such as NFC business cards, an AI-powered messaging service, and a comprehensive analytics dashboard for networking insights.

TAPP! Global prides itself on user-centric design and functionality that contributes to a greener planet.

8) Alerto PH

Founded by Cristina Macaraig in the Philippines, Alerto PH aims to work with local government units to build smart cities. Their goal is to adopt AI-powered IoT technology and digitally transform to provide safer communities for Filipinos through innovative solutions.

Also read: Taiwanese startups join forces with Southeast Asia to venture into Tokyo, Japan

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For more information about the D-Tech Community Hub and its member startups, visit this link. You can also officially join the community by registering here.

The SAFE STEPS D-Tech Community Hub is an initiative by the Prudence Foundation, in partnership with e27, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC).

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