The Australian Red Cross has backed ground-breaking technology to solve humanitarian challenges. A initiative supported by founding partner Telstra Foundation is providing four organisations with up to $100,000 in grant funding, capacity building, and support to pilot a project with communities across Australia.
Humanitech Innovation Program Manager Adelide Mutinda, said these solutions represent some of the most cutting-edge applications of technology to address challenging humanitarian issues.
“We’re thrilled to be able to fast-track the work of these start-ups through Humanitech,” said Ms Mutinda.
“What’s especially significant is that these projects are piloted alongside Australian communities – allowing us to deepen our understanding of what it takes to develop inclusive and ethical technology, and to share this knowledge with others.”
HoldAccess, a start-up led by First Nations, is utilising the funding to enhance its digital platform, WUNA. The objective is to enable both First Nations people and those who are digitally excluded to maintain, access, and distribute their digital identity.
The start-up has joined hands with the Red Cross Port Lincoln Youth Development Hub and plans to test the platform with job seekers in South Australia.
Amidst the deafening silence of exclusion, there comes a glimmer of hope.
With one in six Australians grappling with hearing loss, the need for inclusivity has never been more pressing. And in a breakthrough development, Kara Technologies, a disability-focused start-up, has secured funding to bring sign language accessibility to the forefront in emergencies.
But here’s the kicker: they’re not using regular sign language interpreters, oh no! They’re using “digital human” avatars that will revolutionise accessibility for the hearing impaired.
With this cutting-edge technology, Kara Technologies is taking a giant leap towards creating a world where no one is left behind.
Kara Tech will pilot alongside Deaf communities, Red Cross’ Emergency Services team, and emergency management agencies in NSW to provide fast and on-demand Auslan during emergencies.
Maya Cares, an organization committed to promoting social equity, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative that is set to redefine the landscape of mental health and wellbeing services.
Their latest offering, a chatbot designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Black, and Women of Colour who have experienced racism, is a game-changer in every sense of the word.
Powered by cutting-edge technology, the chatbot provides users with instant access to culturally appropriate resources and services, helping them deal with the emotional toll of racism.
With this pilot project, Maya Cares is taking a bold step forward in empowering marginalised communities to heal and thrive.
Also, among the cutting-edge solutions is AirSeed, a company with a target to plant 100 million trees a year by using drone planting technology to regenerate land across Australia.
AirSeed is piloting with flood-affected communities in Lismore, NSW with support from Australian Red Cross’ Emergency Services team.
Telstra Foundation CEO Jackie Coates, said the program offers a genuine opportunity for ambitious startups to develop meaningful relationships with the community.
“These bold initiatives are made possible through the power of collaboration – Humanitech offers others a model to develop and use technology by working alongside the people who are impacted by it creating impact for people and the planet,” said Ms Coates.
For six months, the teams will embark on a transformative journey through the pilot phase of the program. This exciting phase is replete with immersive learning workshops led by seasoned subject matter experts, unfettered access to the extensive Red Cross expertise and its vast network of collaborators, invaluable industry contacts, and an unparalleled mentorship program.
Additionally, the teams will be able to tap into a network of peers who share their vision and passion for making a meaningful impact in the world. Together, they will forge ahead, blazing new trails, and setting a new standard of excellence in innovation.
Mark your calendars for May 17, 2023! The third edition of the Humanitech Summit is all set to take place in the vibrant city of Melbourne. This groundbreaking event promises to be an awe-inspiring experience that will leave you inspired and motivated.
Attendees will have the privilege of listening to visionary speakers who are leading the charge in their respective fields and spearheading groundbreaking change.
The summit is also a unique opportunity for thought leaders from diverse sectors to come together and exchange ideas, sparking new ways of leveraging technology to benefit people and society.
