Digital Humanitarian Innovation Challenge

APPLICATION STARTS ON:

16th October 2024 08:00 EAT

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

25th October 2024 17:00 EAT

AWARDS

Winner – KES 150,000
1st Runners Up – KES 100,000
2nd Runners Up – 50,000

SUPPORT EMAILS

data.digital@redcross.or.ke
innovations@redcross.or.ke

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Information Pack

Overview
Relevance to Humanitarian Context
Dates
What To Build
Who Should Apply
Judging Criteria
Awards

Overview

The rise of digital technologies has revolutionized humanitarian action, driving greater efficiency and reducing costs through innovations such as digital cash transfers and mobile health solutions. However, alongside these benefits come significant risks that must be carefully managed. Increased surveillance, misinformation, and digital exclusion can undermine the dignity, security, and rights of the very populations humanitarian efforts seek to protect.

In many parts of Africa, including Kenya, where communities are increasingly reliant on digital solutions for accessing essential services, the intersection of technology and humanitarian action presents both opportunities and challenges. Vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by conflict, displacement, and poverty, face additional risks from digital exclusion, privacy breaches, and cyber threats. As technology becomes more embedded in humanitarian operations, it is critical to address these issues to ensure that digital innovations do not inadvertently harm those they are intended to help.

Relevance

Vulnerable populations in humanitarian contexts, such as refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), are at risk of having their personal data exposed or misused. Ensuring data protection and privacy is essential to safeguarding their dignity and security.

Digital exclusion can deepen existing inequalities, particularly for those in remote areas, women, and marginalized groups who may lack access to technology or digital literacy. Bridging the digital divide is critical to ensuring that all individuals benefit from technological advancements.

As the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement adopt digital tools, there is a need for greater accountability in how these tools are used, particularly concerning the “do no harm” principle. This includes being transparent about data use, ensuring cybersecurity, and maintaining the trust of affected populations.

Dates

STAGE 1 - Registration & Round 1 selection

16th October - 25th October 2024 |
Qualified and interested teams apply for the opportunity.
After the deadline, 25 Teams will be selected following an internal review (see judging criteria)

STAGE 2 - Round 2 Selection

15th November 2024 | Participants will be invited for a virtual pitch via Microsoft Teams. Each team will have 3 -minutes to pitch and 2 minutes will be allocated for Q&A.

10 teams will be selected to proceed with Stage 3

STAGE 3 Pitch Day (Finalists)

26th November 2024 | Finalists will be invited to a physical event at the Kenya Red Cross HQ, Nairobi to make their pitch.

What To Build

We are seeking for Digital Innovations across the following 4 thematic areas

Disaster Preparedness and Response

Kenya is prone to natural disasters like floods, droughts, and landslides. This year during the March-April-May Floods, over 100,000 households were affected leaving many Kenyans needing humanitarian assistance. Developing digital tools to enhance disaster preparedness and response can save lives and mitigate the impact on affected communities.

Health

Kenya faces significant health challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to medical services is limited. Outbreaks of diseases like cholera, COVID-19, and currently Mpox strain the health system, while rising chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension add further pressure. High maternal and infant mortality rates persist due to inadequate care. Developing digital health tools, such as telemedicine and mobile platforms, could improve access to care, enhance disease management, and reduce mortality, strengthening Kenya’s health care system and ensuring better health outcomes for all.

Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Efficient logistics are crucial for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid, especially in regions affected by disasters or conflict. Optimizing the supply chain can ensure that resources reach those in need more effectively.

Community Engagement and Empowerment

Engaging local communities and empowering them to take part in humanitarian efforts is vital for building resilience. Digital platforms can facilitate communication, education, and mobilization of resources for the last mile community, before, during and after disasters.

Who Should Apply

The Challenge seeks to address these pressing challenges by bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including university students, young professionals, and tech enthusiasts.

Participants need to be in groups/ teams of 3 – 5 members. You can choose to have a larger group, but only 3 will be invited to represent the team in the submission of the final solution

Judging Criteria

The solution should recognize and address the potential negative impacts of digital technologies in humanitarian settings. It must prioritize the protection of the rights, dignity, and security of affected populations while ensuring that technological advancements are inclusive, accountable, and responsive to the communities they serve.
The solution should present innovative approaches to humanitarian challenges, be sustainable in resource-limited settings, scalable to larger populations, and integrate seamlessly with existing humanitarian technologies.
It must be technically feasible, reliable, and adaptable to environments with constrained resources.
It should address critical humanitarian needs and be adaptable to future risks, including data security challenges.
The development stage should be clearly defined, with a roadmap for future progress, whether it’s in the early idea phase or a more advanced prototype.

Awards

Winning Team

Cash prize of 150,000/-

Kenya Red Cross Life Membership

Internship with the Kenya Red Cross Digital Transformation Team

First Runners Up

Cash prize of 100,000/-

Kenya Red Cross Youth Membership (2 Years)

Second Runners Up

Cash prize of 50,000/-

Kenya Red Cross Youth Membership (1 Year)