InDrive has announced the commencement of applications for the 2024 Aurora Tech Award for women innovators and entrepreneurs from Monday, September 2, to November 21, 2024.

InDrive, in a statement on Monday, said the award, which is open to women tech entrepreneurs from around the world, offers opportunities to showcase their innovations.

The company stated: “The application process for the award 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 with fifteen of them to be advanced to the final shortlist.

“Aside that, shortlisted participants will also 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.

“To be eligible to participate, women entrepreneurs must meet the following criteria and these include ownership or co-ownership of a startup, the startup should have received funding or seed round less than or equivalent of $4 million, startup must be 5 years or less, and a minimum viable product to showcase.

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“In recognition of the vital role women play in the tech industry, the prize fund for the award has been significantly increased with new prize distribution as follows: 1st Prize: $30,000; 2nd Prize: $20,000; 3rd Prize: $15,000; 4th Prize: $10,000 and 5th Prize: $10,000.

“Interested applicants can submit their entries through the Aurora Tech Award website at https://www.auroratechaward.com/.”

Speaking on the development, the Operations Excellence and Sustainability Director at inDrive, Asya Vildt, stated that the company remains committed to women’s empowerment.

Vildt added that supporting women in tech isn’t just about leveling the playing field but about unlocking the full potential of innovation.

“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,” Vildt said.

The first prize winner of the 2024 Aurora Tech Award and founder of Emergency Response Africa in Nigeria, Folake Owodunni, emphasised the importance of the platform, saying: “I don’t dwell on whether it’s because I’m a woman, or because of my colour, or simply personal dislike.

“As entrepreneurs, we build resilience. We optimise for those who understand or align with us in some way. They don’t have to agree with everything, but at least there’s common ground.”

According to the company, the Aurora Tech Award was established in 2020 to recognise and empower women founders of IT startups who are driving innovation and breaking down barriers

It added that both finalists and winners of the award will be announced between March and May 2025.

The Star