inDrive Launches 2026 Aurora Tech Award to Support Women-Led Startups Worldwide
inDrive has announced the launch of applications for the 2026 Aurora Tech Award, a prestigious annual global competition recognizing women founders of innovative tech startups. The application window is open from August 12, 2025, to November 12, 2025.
Since its inception in 2021, the Aurora Tech Award has celebrated visionary female entrepreneurs who are transforming technology and fostering social change. The award aims to elevate women-led startups that blend innovation with impact, providing not only financial support but also access to global networks, investors, and mentorship opportunities.
The 2025 edition broke records with over 2,000 applications from 116 countries, spanning Africa, MENA, LATAM, Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific. African female founders notably made a strong showing, with 31 emerging in the Top 120 finalists, and Nigeria’s Solape Akinpelu clinching the first prize.
To qualify, startups must be at pre-seed stage, owned or co-owned by a woman, registered within the last five years, and have a total funding ceiling of $6 million. Applications are submitted online at auroratechaward.com.
Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, Head of the Aurora Tech Award, emphasized the program’s mission: “The Aurora Tech Award is more than just a prize — it’s a catalyst for the next generation of women tech entrepreneurs from emerging markets. Beyond funding, we connect winners with top investors, global networks, and essential tools to scale their ventures and shape the future of industries.”
The competition progresses with the top 100 quarter-finalists announced on December 8, 2025, followed by 30 semi-finalists, and finally, the top three finalists revealed early 2026. A distinguished jury comprising investors and industry experts will evaluate entries based on innovation, scalability, and social impact. The finalists will participate in a mentorship program scheduled for February–March 2026, culminating in the award ceremony between March and April 2026.
The grand prize offers $50,000, with the first runner-up receiving $20,000, and the second runner-up awarded $15,000. Past finalists and winners, including Nigeria’s Solape Akinpelu and Chile’s Loretxu Garcia, have highlighted the award’s transformative impact, from funding and mentorship to global recognition.
Akinpelu shared, “Winning the Aurora Tech Award proved that African women founders can compete on the global stage. The support has accelerated my organization’s growth.” Garcia added, “The award recognizes women’s courage to innovate from our unique realities.” Indian finalist Shreya Prakash noted, “Aurora’s backing of women entrepreneurs with funding is truly inspiring, especially in a space where few programs support women directly.”
Beyond cash prizes, finalists gain access to a curated network of investors, strategic partners, and inDrive’s expertise, empowering women to grow, raise funds, and scale internationally.