APPLY: Winner to get $30k as Aurora Tech opens applications for female innovators award

Application for the 2024 Aurora Tech award for female innovators commenced on September 2.

The Aurora Tech award is organised by inDrive, an organisation focused on empowering women founders.

The award was launched in 2020 to promote women innovations across the world.

In a statement on Tuesday, inDrive said the 2024 award will offer increased financial support and an opportunity to showcase different innovations from the next generation of women tech leaders.

The application process involves three stages. Submissions will be accepted from 100 participants, while 15 applicants will advance to the final shortlist.

Shortlisted participants will gain access to an enhanced mentoring program featuring sessions with top industry experts.

The mentorship will offer valuable insights and guidance to help participants refine their projects. The stage will last for two months.

The organisation said the winner of the 1st prize will receive $30,000, $20,000 will go to the 2nd prize winner, while the 3rd prize winner receives $15,000.

The 4th and 5th winners will go home with $10,000.

Interested applicants must be owners or co-owners of a startup which should have received funding or seed round less than or equivalent to $4million.

Applicants must be startups that were founded within the last five years and must have a minimum viable product to showcase.

Speaking on the award, Asya Vildt, inDrive operations excellence and sustainability director, said it is crucial to support women in tech with opportunities.

“Women entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives that are essential for solving today’s complex problems,” Vildt said.

“At inDrive, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower women to lead in technology, as their success drives positive change across industries and communities.

“The Aurora Tech award reflects our belief in the power of diverse leadership to shape a better, more sustainable future.”

The application will close on November 21, 2024.

Interested applicants can submit their entries via the Aurora Tech award website.

Finalists and winners will be announced between March and May 2025.