Aurora Tech Award is a launchpad for the next generation of unicorn founders in emerging markets.
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If you have any questions, feel free to email us at aurora@auroratechaward.com
The Boldest 5: Aurora Tech Award Winners of 2025
Curious who claimed the top spots?
Out of 2,018 applicants from 116 countries, only five made it to the top. These founders aren’t just building companies — they’re shaping the future.
Out of 2,018 applicants from 116 countries, only five made it to the top. These founders aren’t just building companies — they’re shaping the future.
A worldwide prize for women founders of tech startups created and supported by inDrive
$85,000 prize fund
Providing financial support for the Top 5 winners
Networking opportunities
Building a community for women in IT
At inDrive, we challenge social injustice by fostering impactful connections.
Our goal is to address gender inequality in the venture world and help your startup succeed in the global market.
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The Aurora Tech Award is an annual global prize set up by inDrive for women entrepreneurs in IT.
Only 2.3%
of venture funding goes to women-led startups
34%
of female founders reported burnout in a 2023 research
649
women founders of Tech startups enrolled in the Aurora Tech Award last year
5x growth*
of business revenue in a year boosted by participation in the Aurora Tech Award
*Growth rate provided by Marie-Reine Seshie, 2023 Aurora Tech Award finalist
To learn more about the gap between men and women founders of startups in different countries, check out our latest research:
OUR partners
Our partners from VC funds provide valuable feedback for the longlist applicants, and our community partners make sure that more people get to know about Aurora Tech Award.
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“This means a lot not just to me, but to women that I work with. The impact of this moment will be felt for generation. It’s going to ensure that their children go to school, they are fed. And we are going to break the cycle of poverty in Kenya.”
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Award calendar
02.09.2024
Open call start
21.11.2024
Open call end
Pre-selection process
20.12.2024
Longlist announcement
20.01.2025
Middle list announcement
26.02.2025
Shortlist announcement
Spring 2025
Winners announcement
Spring 2025
Mentorship program for finalists
The date and location of the ceremony will be announced no later than February 1, 2025.
What
Aurora Tech Award offers you
What
Aurora Tech Award offers you
Guidance
from inDrive's executives and industry experts for the shortlist participants
Useful feedback
from Venture Capital experts for the longlist participants
Media representation
for the shortlist participants
A safe space
to expand your professional network
Cash prizes for an extended winners list
First prize
$30,000
Second prize
$20,000
Third prize
$15,000
Fourth prize
$10,000
Fifth prize
$10,000
Rules
To participate, your startup is required to…
- Be founded or co-founded and led by a woman
- Have a functional prototype of a product
- Fit in the investment limit of $4 million in funding, including the seed round
- Be less than 5 years old
Applications are now closed
Follow us to stay tuned for exciting updates!
How to find and measure impact in your startup | Aurora Tech Award
Educational
materials
Check out usefull guides for founders to make a better pitchdeck.
More helpful videos here
Join an inspiring community of women in IT
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