- This week applications opened for the 2025 Aurora Tech Award.
- The prize pool has been increased to $85 000 in total for the latest iteration.
- It aims to recognise and empower women founders of IT startups.
The end of August may have heralded the end of Women’s Month in South Africa, but the launch of initiatives aimed at women in technology show no signs of slowing down. The latest launched this week is the 2025 Aurora Tech Show, which called for applications yesterday – 2nd September.
The Aurora Tech Award, which is presented in partnership with inDrive, aims to highlight women technology entrepreneurs from around the world to showcase their innovations. Organisers add that African innovators have taken home the top prize for two consecutive years, which means it is an exciting opportunity for female tech entrepreneurs across the African continent to step into the global spotlight for the 2025 iteration.
The organisers add that the prize pool is set to increase, with a total of $85 000 being made available for the winners.
For those unfamiliar with the Aurora Tech Award, it was established in 2020 to recognise and empower women founders of IT startups who are driving innovation in the industry. “This year, the award returns with expanded opportunities, increased financial support, and an ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of women tech leaders,” organisers explained in a release shared with Hypertext.
“Women entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives that are essential for solving today’s complex problems. 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,” added Asya Vildt, Operations Excellence and Sustainability director at inDrive.
Detailing the changes for this year’s Awards, the new prize distribution for the increased funding pool is as follows:
- 1st Prize: $30 000,
- 2nd Prize: $20 000,
- 3rd Prize: $15 000,
- 4th Prize: $10 000,
- 5th Prize: $10 000.
“The application process now includes three stages of assessment: longlist, midlist, and shortlist. After an initial evaluation by venture fund analysts, 100 participants will be selected for a pitching session. Fifteen of these will advance to the final shortlist,” organisers added regarding the new evaluation process.
“Shortlisted participants will benefit from an enhanced mentoring program offering sessions with leading industry experts. This mentorship will span 2 to 2.5 months and will provide critical insights and guidance to help participants refine their projects and implement strategic changes,” they added.
Looking at the current application phase, women entrepreneurs who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
- “Leadership: The startup must be founded or co-founded and led by a woman.
- Funding: The startup should not have received more than $4 million in funding, including the seed round.
- Age of Startup: The startup must be no older than 5 years.
- Minimum Viable Product: A functional prototype is required; idea-stage projects are not eligible.”
Applications are open from 2nd September to 21st November 21 2024. Interested applicants can submit their entries through the Aurora Tech Award website here.
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