Aurora Tech Award 2026 $100,000 Prize Fund for Women-Led Tech Startups

The Aurora Tech Award is a global competition celebrating visionary women founders in technology and IT. With a $100,000 prize pool for the top three winners, it empowers female entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and access to global investors and media.

Created by inDrive to address the gender gap in venture capital, the award spotlights bold, women-led startups from emerging markets. Since its 2021 launch, it has attracted thousands of applicants worldwide, offering winners both resources and a platform to amplify their impact. The next award ceremony and mentorship program will take place in early 2026, honoring the next generation of women in tech.

Eligibility Criteria

• The startup must be founded or co-founded and led by a woman.
• Must have a functional prototype of the product.
• Total funding should be less than $6 million (including the seed round).
• The startup should be less than 5 years old.
• Presentations must be in English.

Benefits 

• $100,000 prize fund awarded to the top three startups to accelerate growth.
• Access to valuable networking opportunities with investors, mentors, and a community of women in IT.
• Participation in a mentorship program with industry experts and business leaders.
• Increased media exposure and visibility on a global stage.
• Regular bi-weekly newsletters with insights and valuable startup resources.