The Aurora Tech Awards, focused on empowering women in tech and closing the gender equality gap, has opened submissions for its 2024 edition.
Launched in 2020, the Aurora Tech Awards is a global annual celebration of women founders of IT startups who are breaking boundaries and shattering stereotypes in the tech world.
After the remarkable success of the 2023 Aurora Tech Awards, where African women in tech took center stage, the initiative sees another year of celebrating innovation and inclusivity in the tech world.
The 2023 Aurora Tech Awards showcased a significant shift in Africa’s tech landscape, highlighting the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. These visionaries led IT startups made substantial contributions to their communities, particularly in education, healthcare, and finance. Beyond this, they actively supported fellow entrepreneurs in their journeys.
The 2023 award was ultimately claimed by Elizabeth Mwangi from Kenya and her startup, Gwiji for Women. The platform connects cleaners residing in Nairobi’s slums with clients, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology for social good.
The mission of the Aurora Tech Awards is threefold: to commend the achievements of women in IT entrepreneurship, to provide them with substantial cash prizes, and to challenge the gender biases that persist in the industry.
Benefits
The Aurora Tech Award prizes are as follows:
- First Prize: $30,000
- Second Prize: $20,000
- Third Prize: $10,000
Each prize category will have only one winner, and these prizes are open to contestants from all participating countries. Additionally, winners will gain access to the valuable inDriver mentorship program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Aurora Tech Awards, your application must meet the following criteria:
1. Women Founder: The startup must be founded or co-founded and led by a woman entrepreneur.
2. Funding Stage: The startup should not have received investments exceeding $4 million in funding, including the seed round.
3. Operation Time: The startup must be no more than 5 years old.
4. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): The startup should have a functional prototype. Please note that applications with only an idea will not be considered.
How to Apply
Ready to take the leap? Apply via the website before the deadline on Friday, December 1, 2023.
