World Bank Group Announces $1 million Technology Challenge Fund to Support Disaster Management amidst COVID-19 in India.
The World Bank Group, in partnership with CES and India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), has launched a call for technology solutions – TechEmerge Resilience India, inviting innovators to share solutions for disaster preparedness and response amidst challenges posed by COVID-19. The ‘TechEmerge Resilience India Challenge’ is part of the Global Tech Challenge’ presented by the World Bank Group and CES.
It will involve the most promising disruptive technology (DT) innovators in the disaster management sector. Shortlisted DT entrepreneurs’ solutions will be assessed by a reputed jury, with selected winners receiving access to a pool of up to US $1 million in grant funding, supported by UK’s DFID, and implementation support.
Selected teams will get the opportunity to work with Disaster Management Authorities (DMAs) to pilot and deploy their solutions for disaster preparedness and resilience in the highly volatile and limiting COVID-19 scenario.
The top five innovators will also get an opportunity to showcase their solutions at the World’s largest technology event, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) January 2021 in Las Vegas.
WHEN: The TechEmerge Resilience India Challenge is inviting applications for two tracks – A COVID-19 Fast track and the Resilience Track. Applications can be submitted at https://www.techemerge.org/resilience through June 19, 2020, for the COVID-19 track and through July 20th, 2020 for the Resilience track.
WHERE: Application and selection process will be undertaken virtually at https://www.techemerge.org/resilience
WHO: The Challenge is being organized by the World Bank, in partnership with CES and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and TechEmerge, an award-winning matchmaking program from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the World Bank’s private sector arm. TechEmerge routinely brings together technology companies worldwide with leading organizations in emerging markets. The challenge is supported and funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), a United Kingdom government department responsible for administering overseas aid. Â
WHY: In the past decade, India has demonstrated immense success in minimizing loss of lives during disasters through substantial investments in preparedness. The government is proactively working to build greater resilience to climate change and disasters to reduce vulnerability –of populations down to the village level.
However, the COVID-19 outbreak has vulnerable populations and existing disaster management resources in India under severe pressure. Supply chains have been disrupted and at-risk population has increased significantly. Disaster Response protocols need to conform to lockdown and social distancing guidelines. Human resources involved in preparedness and relief are now braving heightened risk factors – especially those at the front line – as resources are being shared to deal with the pandemic. The seasonal cycle of imminent disasters has already made their presence felt with Cyclone Amphan and Cyclone Nisarga hitting both eastern and western India.
The World Bank Group is mobilizing technology solutions that will aid disaster management authorities in India to redefine preparedness, response and resilience amidst the COVID-19 challenge. These innovative solutions will bring most benefit to India’s migrant populations and the vulnerable dealing with recurring disasters.
