The Aurora Tech Award is an international competition that shines a spotlight on female tech entrepreneurs who are making remarkable strides in innovation across the globe. This award is designed to recognize women who are breaking barriers in the technology industry and to provide them with the resources and support necessary to accelerate the growth of their businesses. By emphasizing diversity and inclusion, the Aurora Tech Award plays a critical role in advancing gender equality within the global tech ecosystem.
Since its inception, the Aurora Tech Award has grown into a prestigious platform that attracts thousands of applications from women entrepreneurs in various tech fields, including fintech, artificial intelligence, health technology, and more. The 2025 edition of the competition received over 2,000 entries from 116 countries, showcasing the global reach and impact of this initiative. Participants come from diverse regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Latin America (LATAM), Central Asia, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) areas, highlighting the award’s commitment to fostering innovation across all continents.
The award’s mission centers on empowering female innovators by providing not only recognition but also tangible support. Winners receive significant cash prizes to help fund the growth and expansion of their startups. In 2025, the top prize was $30,000, with additional awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 given to runners-up and finalists. These funds are vital for entrepreneurs seeking to scale their ventures and compete on an international level.
Beyond financial support, the Aurora Tech Award offers winners access to a global network of investors, industry leaders, and strategic partners. This network provides mentorship and strategic growth opportunities that are essential for navigating the highly competitive technology sector. For instance, the partnership with inDrive, a global ride-hailing company, offers winners and finalists access to expertise and resources that can help them secure funding and scale their businesses internationally. This collaboration exemplifies the award’s broader strategy to connect female tech founders with the tools they need to succeed.
The award ceremony is held during prominent events focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. One key event associated with the Aurora Tech Award is the SHE CAN conference, held in the MENA region. Since 2015, this conference has become one of the most influential gatherings supporting women through education, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Each year, thousands of women attend SHE CAN to connect, learn, and showcase their business ideas. The Aurora Tech Award final stage is integrated into this conference, providing a dynamic platform for finalists to present their innovations and gain visibility among global industry leaders.
Leadership behind the Aurora Tech Award is committed to championing women in tech. Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, Head of the Aurora Tech Awards, frequently emphasizes the importance of celebrating women who push the boundaries of technology and make significant impacts in their industries. This commitment is echoed by partners like Evgenia Matrosova, Chief Growth Officer and Head of Ride-Hailing at inDrive, who highlights the company’s dedication to breaking the gender barrier in tech investment. Their support reinforces the award’s role in creating opportunities that help female entrepreneurs thrive in a male-dominated field.
The success stories of past winners further underscore the award’s significance. Nigerian entrepreneurs have stood out in recent years, with Folake Owodunni winning in 2024 and Solape Akinpelu in 2025. Akinpelu’s fintech startup, Hervest, is a prime example of how the award supports companies that empower underserved communities. Hervest provides smallholder female farmers in Africa with access to savings, credit, and investment opportunities, helping to close the gender gap in the fintech industry. The consecutive wins by Nigerian women illustrate the rising influence of African female tech founders on the global stage.
The Aurora Tech Award continues to attract a diverse group of finalists and winners who represent a wide range of industries and technologies. From AI-driven platforms to innovative health tech solutions, the competition highlights how women are shaping the future of technology worldwide. This growing visibility not only celebrates individual achievements but also inspires more women to enter the tech sector and pursue entrepreneurial ambitions.
Through its combination of financial rewards, networking opportunities, mentorship, and global exposure, the Aurora Tech Award stands out as a vital catalyst for change in the tech industry. It fosters a more inclusive environment where women innovators can access the support they need to develop groundbreaking technologies and build successful companies. The award’s ongoing success reflects a global commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity, and its influence is likely to expand as more female entrepreneurs rise to prominence across all corners of the world.