Australian Red Cross, QBE Foundation, and Leading Cities is excited to announce a new partnership to harness innovation and scale data-driven technology solutions to empower community climate resilience.
This partnership brings together three global organisations with a shared mission to address some of the world's biggest humanitarian challenges by leveraging innovative technology. By joining forces, this partnership aims to accelerate and enable resilience for global communities.
At the centre of this collaboration is the QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge, which in recognition of this partnership, has established a 'Humanitarian Track.' The new track seeks to harness the transformative potential of technology to bridge the gap between data, community resilience decision making, and local action.
From Monday 1 April 2024, tech entrepreneurs from around the globe are invited to join the challenge to leverage the combined resources of this partnership. Applicants will be in the running for cash prizes totaling $150,000 USD, a fully paid pilot in Australia with Australian Red Cross and receive support from a global network of experts, investors, and mentors.
Australian Red Cross Head of Humanitech Katy Southall emphasised the need to bring together science, technology, and local knowledge to shape the community response to the impacts of climate change on communities.
"We're seeking game-changers from the tech world and software solutions that bridge the gap between data, community resilience decision-making, and local action. Together we can empower communities with the tools they need to build a safer, more resilient future by putting them at the heart of the process," Ms Southall said.
CEO of Leading Cities Michael Lake said the collaborative efforts are dedicated to empowering communities to become more resilient, equitable, and sustainable.
"This partnership directly engages and accelerates the efforts of those at the frontlines of the climate crisis — city leaders dealing with the devastating impacts to their communities, and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to increase community resiliency and sustainability," Mr Lake said.
QBE Group Executive Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, and Chair of the Global QBE Foundation Viv Bower said with its focus on community empowerment, the partnership had the potential to redefine the way technology and innovation drives positive change in the humanitarian sector.
"Consistent with our focus of creating strong, resilient and inclusive communities, the QBE Foundation is proud to partner with Australian Red Cross Humanitech and Leading Cities to address the humanitarian impacts of climate change. By leveraging our collective expertise, resources, and networks, we have an opportunity to drive meaningful change at scale in the face of climate challenges," Ms Bower said.
This partnership represents a unique opportunity for impact driven tech entrepreneurs to showcase their impactful solutions, gain global recognition, and receive support to grow their businesses, while also helping to solve some of the universal challenges facing humanity.
