Map4Drop Wins First Prize in Climate Adaptation Contest with a ‘Community Ecosystem’

SLO – The community clean water mapping initiative Map4Drop has won First Prize in the contest “Pioneering Initiatives in Climate Change Adaptation 2025” organised by the Social Life Institute, with its “community ecosystem” solution to support and protect outdoor workers.

On the morning of 13 September 2025, the Social Life Institute hosted the final presentation and community feedback round, where entries to the contest were evaluated and ranked. The competition forms part of the research programme “The health impacts of climate change on precarious outdoor workers in urban megacities in Vietnam”, carried out by the Social Life Institute in collaboration with the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), United Kingdom, funded by the Wellcome Trust (https://climate-health-vietnam.org/).

What set the initiatives apart was their shared emphasis on collective action to support outdoor workers – linking communities, businesses and local authorities – and the direct participation of outdoor workers themselves, not just as beneficiaries but as co-creators of ideas.

The contest “Pioneering Initiatives in Climate Change Adaptation 2025” organised by the Social Life Institute

Map4Drop – First Prize with a “community ecosystem”

With 456 points, Map4Drop claimed First Prize. This community mapping platform helps outdoor workers locate the nearest free drinking water station. It is designed as a “community data ecosystem”, combining digital technology with infrastructure contributions from communities, businesses and local government.

Dr Nguyen Hong Tay, Deputy Head of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the South, remarked: “This idea demonstrates a deep understanding of real needs. What is particularly impressive is its high applicability and potential for expansion.”

A key feature of Map4Drop is the integration of AI to forecast water demand based on weather predictions, while also personalising suggestions for individual users. The system is accessible on both smartphones and basic mobile phones via SMS, ensuring inclusiveness.

Map4Drop team

“Medical Supply ATM” – a practical solution for worksites

Second Prize, with 452 points, went to the “Medical Supply ATM” initiative by the 3IN1 team. The machine is specially designed for outdoor conditions, with a galvanised steel frame resistant to corrosion, IP65 standard, and powered entirely by solar energy.

“This is the most practical solution I have ever seen. It not only addresses healthcare needs but also provides reassurance to workers and their families,” said Dr Nguyen Minh Nhut, Deputy Head of the Culture and Society Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council.

The innovation integrates an AI chatbot acting as a “virtual medical assistant” to guide workers in selecting the right supplies. The system uses ID codes to regulate distribution, ensuring fairness and transparency.

Dr Nguyen Minh Nhut, Deputy Head of the Culture and Society Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council

ShadePoint – a smart 5-in-1 hub

Third Prize (451 points) was awarded to ShadePoint, a multi-purpose public rest station. Measuring 6m x 2.2m x 3.2m, it combines shading, mist cooling, multi-port charging, a smart first aid kit and a water/electrolyte vending machine.

“This initiative reflects a people-centred approach to urban planning. Creating cooling points in urban areas is a solution proven effective in many international studies,” commented Dr Vu Ngoc Anh, Director of Research at the National Centre for Social Research (United Kingdom).

ShadePoint is designed in modular form, allowing assembly or disassembly within three hours for easy relocation. It runs entirely on solar power, with capacity for ten hours of use after sunset.

Dr Vu Ngoc Anh, Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research (United Kingdom); Principal Investigator of the Wellcome Trust-funded project “The health impacts of climate change on precarious outdoor workers in urban megacities in Vietnam”.

Two meaningful Merit Prizes

“Sức khỏe treo” (“Hanging Health”) scored 431 points and introduced a community healthcare model inspired by the “suspended meal” concept. It enables communities and businesses to pre-fund medical consultations, emergency services and health advice for disadvantaged workers, through a transparent digital platform.

The initiative “Protective Equipment Support for Gig Drivers” (425 points) proposed a comprehensive support policy – ranging from free regular distribution and subsidised provision via the “Driver Welfare 4.0” app, to the creation of a sustainable welfare fund.

“This is a new workforce segment, but one facing high health risks. The initiative shows deep humanity,” said Dr Nguyen Thi Anh Nguyet, Head of Social Work at the University Medical Centre, Ho Chi Minh City.

Dr Nguyen Thi Anh Nguyet, Head of Social Work at the University Medical Centre, Ho Chi Minh City

Voices from the workers – and their wider impact

A distinctive feature of the contest was the direct feedback from outdoor workers. Mr Quan, a scrap collector, challenged: “If rest stations are built in city centres, where will the land come from? And would those places really be suitable for people in jobs like ours?”

“You are not merely the audience or beneficiaries, but experts in life itself. You understand heat better than any thermometer,” remarked Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Duc Loc, Director of the Social Life Institute, calling workers “the most special guests”.

Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Duc Loc, Director of the Social Life Institute

According to MSc Tran Duc Su, Deputy Director of the Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer at Ton Duc Thang University: “The most important outcome is not to find the winner, but to create a community of innovation – where solutions emerge from those most directly affected.”

The contest attracted a large number of young people, from students to young outdoor workers, with many ideas coming directly from those on the frontline – drivers, labourers and street vendors confronting climate challenges every day.

The “Pioneering Climate Change Adaptation 2025” contest has set an important precedent: when scientific knowledge meets lived experience, and when experts truly listen to communities, only then can effective solutions emerge to protect millions of outdoor workers.

Social Life Institute