Aurora Tech Award, an annual global prize for women founders in tech, is calling for entries for its 2026 edition.
In a statement on Tuesday, inDrive, organisers of the award, said applications opened on August 12 and will close on November 12, 2025.
The organisers said the winner of the 2026 edition will receive $50,000, while the first and second runners-up will get $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.
The award, which was launched in 2021, supports women-led startups that combine innovation with social impact. It also provides access to investors, mentorship, and inDrive’s global network.
Advertisement
This year, Nigeria’s Solape Akinpelu became the winner, while 31 African innovators made it to the top 120 shortlist.
According to inDrive, startups applying for the 2026 edition must be founded or co-founded by a woman, not more than five years old, have a working prototype, be at pre-seed stage, and have received not more than $6 million in total investment.
Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, head of the Aurora Tech Award, described the initiative as “a springboard for the next generation of bold women founders from emerging markets”.
Advertisement
“We provide not just funding, but access to top investors, global networks, and the tools to help scale ventures that will shape the future of entire industries,” she said.
The organisers added that quarter-finalists will be announced on December 8, 2025, followed by semi-finalists and the top three finalists in early 2026.
The award ceremony will hold between March and April 2026.
The organisers said interested applicants can apply here.
Advertisement
