Karachi: The annual prize will be judged by a panel of renowned women tech leaders, including Ms. Sadaf Abid, a social entrepreneur and founder of the tech organization ‘Circle’
In a world where gender stereotypes still cast a long shadow, the realm of IT stands as a stark example. Recent studies lay bare the persistent reluctance of investors to back ventures spearheaded by women. Despite the undeniable prowess of female professionals, the refrain that IT is an unsuitable path for them continues to echo.
But a powerful wind of change is sweeping through the industry, personified by the Aurora Tech Award. Launched in 2020, the Award is an esteemed annual prize celebrating women founders of IT startups. The award aims to provide support and acknowledgment for their outstanding contributions by empowering and normalizing successful women leaders in the tech industry. Far beyond just recognizing achievement, this award is an instrument of transformation, where barriers yield to opportunities, and challenges morph into triumphs.
The award’s mission is threefold: to applaud the strides of women in IT entrepreneurship, to empower them with the resources they deserve through substantial cash prizes, and to shatter the very gender biases that have long confined the industry.
“In a tech world still grappling with gender disparity, awards like the Aurora Tech Award are catalysts for change. Our recognition empowers women, shattering barriers and inspiring young minds. The positive feedback from past winners resonates with the transformative impact. As applications pour in globally, we’re excited to spotlight talents making community-changing impacts and serving as role models. We envision a future where gender ceases to limit potential. This award isn’t just a recognition; it’s a step towards a more inclusive and innovative tomorrow” says Ekaterina Smirnova, Executive director of the Aurora Tech Award.
The Aurora Tech Award heralds a future where innovation knows no gender and where women’s potential flourishes uninhibited. It’s not just about breaking glass ceilings; it’s about forging an industry that stands as a testament to the capabilities of all, regardless of gender.
The panel of judges will include prominent female IT entrepreneurs, the winners of last year’s Aurora Tech Award, and key industry experts. The prominent member of the jury Ms. Sadaf Abid, a social entrepreneur, the CEO of Kashf Foundation, and a founder of the tech organization Circle, represents Pakistan and supports the women in the IT industry by joining hands with the Aurora Tech Awards team.
The application must meet the following criteria:
- Women founder
The startup must be founded or co-founded and led by a woman entrepreneur - Funding stage
The startup should not have received investments exceeding $4 million in funding, including the seed round - Operation time
The startup must be no more than 5 years old - Minimum viable product (MVP)
The startup should have a functional prototype. If you have only an idea, your application will not be considered
Applications can be submitted via the award’s website at https://www.auroratechaward.com/
Dates and deadlines
Entries should be submitted between September 5 and December 1, 2023.
Finalist announcement date: Jan. 31, 2024
Final assessments and announcement of winners: Mar. 8, 2024
The prizes will be awarded as follows:
First prize: $30,000
Second prize: $20,000
Third prize: $10,000
There will only be one winner per category, and the prize can be awarded to a contestant from any of the participating countries. In addition to the prizes, the entrepreneurs will gain access to the driver mentorship program.
Aurora Tech Award is a non-profit initiative of inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform. Today, inDrive is available in more than 40 countries, has been downloaded over 175 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance, courier delivery, and employment search services. inDrive is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with regional hubs in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS countries, employing more than 2,700 people.
The Aurora Tech Award is an award for women tech startup founders whose projects have had a profound impact on global development. The objective is to support women in the field of advanced technologies, especially women entrepreneurs
