Attendees explored how cutting-edge  humanitarian technologies can support these communities and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). IEEE Humanitarian Technologies provided three talks and a special interactive workshop led by Stephanie Gillespie. I want to thank the conference leadership for a great conference and encourage everyone to think about attending the IHTC in 2026. This is another great way to learn about the needs of the underserved and how you can contribute to improving the conditions for many communities around the world.

IEEE MOVE India, a local Chapter of the IEEE MOVE Community Outreach Program, recently launched a new MOVE truck in Bengaluru, India. The IEEE MOVE program delivers power and communication services during disasters and also provides outreach and STEM education. This expansion into India signifies the continued growth of the MOVE program, which currently includes three response vehicles in the United States and a modular MOVE team in Puerto Rico. The launch of the new vehicle was attended by IEEE President Kathleen Kramer, President-Elect Mary Ellen Randall, and Past President Thomas Coughlin, along with numerous Indian dignitaries. This significant event garnered coverage from several media outlets and received extensive support on social media. I congratulate the MOVE India team on this remarkable accomplishment and anticipate the ongoing growth of the IEEE MOVE Program.

The GenAI for Good Challenge will be announced soon. This is a Generative AI competition that connects innovators and changemakers to tackle real-world problems in health, agriculture, and climate resilience.  If you are interested, please sign up here for additional information.

IEEE has many ways that you can contribute. If you are interested in participating in a humanitarian technologies program, check out the rest of this newsletter or refer to the HT website. Please consider how you can do your part to “Advancing Technology for the benefit of Humanity”.

Sincere regards,
Grayson Randall

The GenAI for Good Challenge is one of our most ambitious efforts to date, focusing on the real-world deployment of generative AI for the public good. Powered by IEEE HT and ITU, the challenge invites teams of AI experts to build solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and climate resilience—backed by global partners and UN agencies aligned with the SDGs.

Winning teams will receive up to US$25,000 and the opportunity to implement their tools where they’re needed most.

Sign up to stay informed and be among the first to access resources, info sessions, and submission details.

Joe Harrison, a humanitarian communications and operations professional specializing in crisis response, will provide an overview of Cisco Crisis Response (CCR) – how CCR provides emergency communications support to partners and the communities they serve, and why it’s more important now than ever. CCR has led disaster incident response at Cisco for over 20 years. Disaster and humanitarian response products, solutions, case studies, and best practices will be shared. Register for the talk  and attend 23 September.

Don't miss the 01 October deadline to submit your project proposal! EPICS in IEEE is seeking proposals for service learning projects focused on community-driven accessibility solutions. These projects should bring together students, faculty, and IEEE professionals with community organizations to address technological needs through the design, building, testing, and deployment of local accessible solutions. Check out our Call for Proposals for more details.

Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and connected. The IEEE Smart Village Experience at the 2025 IEEE PowerAfrica Conference isn’t just another event—it’s a launchpad for bold ideas and real-world impact. From immersive workshops and cutting-edge tech demos to powerful panels and community-driven project showcases, ISVx brings together changemakers who are electrifying Africa’s future through innovation in energy, education, and enterprise. Whether you're an entrepreneur, engineer, student, or policymaker, this is your chance to plug into a global network and help shape sustainable development from the ground up.

Join us in Cairo, 28 Sept – 2 Oct. This is where transformation begins. Explore the ISVx experience

The IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technologies (SIGHT) is a global network of IEEE Volunteers partnering with underserved communities and local organizations to leverage technology for sustainable development. 

Now through 03 October, the IEEE SIGHT Committee will offer funding to established and active Groups to support their humanitarian technology activities in 2025. Eligible SIGHT Groups may submit applications to receive up to US$200 per calendar year. Possible uses for the funds include events, training and professional development, communications and marketing materials, prototype development or project preparation, and operational needs. 

For more information and how to apply, visit the SIGHT Website. 

• 2025 IEEE PowerAfrica Conference is a premier event that brings together research scientists, engineers, and practitioners from across the globe to discuss the latest research findings, innovative ideas, and emerging technologies in the power systems sector. This conference is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities present on the African continent, focusing on power systems integration, business models, technological advances, policies, and regulatory frameworks. The conference will be held in Cairo, 28 Sept – 2 Oct. 
  
  

   

• IEEE R10 Humanitarian Technology Conference (HTC2025) will be held at Chiba University of Commerce, Japan, from 29 September to 01 October. With the theme “Beyond SDGs – A New Humanitarian Era with Intelligent Partners,” the conference aims to underscore society’s rising expectations for humanitarian technologies to deliver practical, enduring solutions. 

   

• The 15th IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC 2025) is a flagship, international conference sharing effective approaches, best practices, and practical and/or scholarly technology-enabled interventions that address the needs of underserved and marginalized communities around the world. This year GHTC 2025 will highlight and explore “Technologies in Context” as its annual theme. The conference will be hosted at the Colorado School of Mines, USA from 22 - 25 October.

Important Dates & Upcoming Events

• 28 September - 2 October - IEEE Smart Village Experience 2025 IEEE PowerAfrica Conference.
• 29 September - 1 October - IEEE R10 HTC2025
• Now- 3 October- IEEE SIGHT Committee will offer funding to established and active groups 
• 1 October - Submission deadline for EPICS Call for Proposals
• 22 - 25 October - IEEE GHTC 2025

Visit the HTB/SIGHT calendar for more humanitarian technology events and activities.