About Tech4R
Tech4R is a collaborative initiative harnessing digital innovation to strengthen disaster resilience around the world.
Our Mission
We believe resilience is built through proactive, tech-enabled solutions. We bridge the gap between crisis and recovery by applying data, AI, and emerging technologies. Our mission is to empower communities before, during, and after disasters strike.
Our Roots
Tech4R is hosted by the UNDP ICPSD and supported by partners like the SDG AI Lab, among others committed to sustainable development and humanitarian innovation.
Rescue
Enabling decision-making and resource coordination for faster response.
Response
Deploying tech tools to support relief logistics and situational awareness.
Recovery
Using data to rebuild, track progress, and inform community-led recovery.
Resilience
Fostering preparedness through training, predictive analytics, etc.
Host Organizations & Partners
UN Volunteers
UNV is the United Nations organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide.
EKA Creative Studio
A community-oriented design studio that fosters creatives to take action together.
LJUS
A consulting company that empowers the entrepreneurship ecosystem through ethical marketing, community building, event organization, and innovative strategies.
ATÖLYE
A strategic design and innovation consultancy that empowers purpose-driven leaders by transforming people, places, and experiences through the power of communities
Bridge to Türkiye Fund
A non-profit established in 2003 by Turkish-Americans and friends of Türkiye, aiming to mobilize philanthropic resources to benefit socio-economically disadvantaged segments of Turkish society, with a focus on children's education and healthcare.
HP LIFE
HP LIFE, a program of the HP Foundation, offers free business skills training online, in-person, and through its app. With courses in eight languages, it helps learners worldwide gain practical skills, start businesses, and advance careers, while also supporting educators and trainers.
UNDP
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
ICPSD
UNDP’s Istanbul International Center for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), supports the private sector and foundations to become transformative partners in development through research, advocacy for inclusive business, facilitation of public-private dialogue and multi stakeholder-partnerships.
SDG AI Lab
Harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development
Our Track Record Speaks for Itself
20+
Projects15,000+
Volunteers98%
Project SuccessTimeline of major milestones
February 2023
The idea of Tech4R was sparked during the "Post-Disaster Communal Living and Community Spaces" workshop in the aftermath of the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes.
July 2023
Joint programme offer finalized by UNDP ICPSD and UNV.
August 2023
First ICPSD–UNV strategic workshop held in Bonn.
October 2023
Risk management and programme development strategies put in place.
June – August 2024
Establishment of standard operating procedures, team structures, and community platforms for volunteers.
October 2024
1st volunteer cohort onboarded.
November – December 2024
Knowledge base of open-source solutions initiated. Conducted series of technical trainings: Power BI, Kobo Toolbox, QGIS, Power Automate.
February 2025
Tech4R conducted a comprehensive digital pain points analysis and Needs Assessment.
February 25–26, 2025
41 UN Online Volunteers from 22+ countries teamed up with 15 Turkish NGOs.
Developed 5 LC/NC (Low-Code/No-Code) solution prototypes including:
- Warehouse coordination tracker
- Field communication platformVolunteer deployment tool
- Autism support tracker
- Oral survey app for visually impaired children
From March 2025
Ongoing deployment and scaling of volunteer-built solutions.
2025 Goals
- Mobilize 1,000 Tech4R volunteers.
- Establish partnerships with 5 UN agencies and CSOs.
- Deliver 10+ open-source solutions used in real-world disaster settings.
Why Tech4R Exists
We believe resilience is built through proactive, tech-enabled solutions.
Our mission is to empower communities before, during, and after disasters strike.