CBM’s disaster response mobile app is shortlisted for The Tech for Good Award 2023

Posted on: Monday, May 15th, 2023

We are delighted to announce that CBM’s disaster response mobile app has been shortlisted for a Tech for Good Award at the Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards 2023. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 18 May at Anglia Ruskin University.

Developed with Cambridge-based digital agency Studio 24, CBM’s Humanitarian Hands on Tool (HHOT) is a ground-breaking mobile app helping people with disabilities to access life-saving relief services during emergencies.

During any emergency or disaster, people with disabilities are some of the worst affected, but often find it difficult to access relief services. Launched in 2017, HHoT provides practical, step-by-step guidance for emergency workers, ensuring that the help they provide (like emergency shelters or food and water points) are accessible to people with disabilities. The whole tool can be downloaded so it is also available offline — a useful feature for humanitarian workers intervening in disaster areas.

Since 2017 the HHoT has been translated into new languages (for example Ukrainian in 2022), adopted by other global humanitarian agencies including Care and World Vision, and used in numerous areas of humanitarian crisis such as the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

“Working on the CBM Global HHOT app throughout the years is one the reasons why I love my job. Knowing that what we do from our Cambridge office can benefit the most vulnerable communities globally makes me incredibly fulfilled and proud.” – Francesco Fabbro, Senior Project Manager, Studio 24

“The work done with Studio 24 is a great example of innovation in the humanitarian sector.” – Alberto Tonon, CBM Global

The Cambridge Independent Science and Technology Awards are now in their sixth year, celebrating extraordinary talent in the region across a host of science and technology sectors. The Tech for Good Award seeks to reward those using technology for positive social, environmental or economic ends. A record number of entries was submitted this year, so we are especially proud to have been shortlisted for an award. CBM UK’s Kirsty Smith and Head of Programmes Andy Ware will attend the ceremony on 18 May to hear the announcement of the winners!