In an era where technological innovation meets urgent global challenges, empowering women to lead the digital revolution is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. The Aurora Tech Award 2026, founded by inDrive, is now open for applications and presents a bold call to female tech founders in Nepal and other emerging markets to step into the spotlight.
With a mission to celebrate and elevate women-led startups, Aurora stands as a beacon for inclusive innovation, offering not only funding but vital access to global investors, strategic networks, and industry mentorship. Applications are open until November 12, 2025 via auroratechaward.com.
Why Aurora Tech aaward Matters to Nepal’s Tech Landscape
Nepal’s startup ecosystem is on a steady rise, but like much of the world, women founders remain underrepresented. The Aurora Tech Award 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity for Nepali women in tech to gain visibility, scale their ventures, and compete on a global platform.
With less than 2% of global VC funding going to women-led startups, initiatives like Aurora directly address this disparity by turning the spotlight on founders who are not waiting for a seat — they’re building their own tables.
What Does the Award Offer?
Winners of the Aurora Tech Award will receive:
$50,000 for the 1st place winner $20,000 for 2nd place $15,000 for 3rd place
Beyond capital, finalists gain access to:
A curated global network of investors and partners Tailored mentorship programs Resources for international scaling Strategic media exposure through inDrive’s platforms
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
Female founders applying for the Aurora Tech Award must meet the following:
Founded or co-founded and led by a woman Startup registered within the past 5 years Prototype, MVP, or early client traction Pre-seed or seed stage Total funding not exceeding $6M, including the seed round
Detailed requirements are available at auroratechaward.com.
Global Reach and Growing Impact
In 2025, the Aurora Tech Award received 2,018 applications from 116 countries — double the submissions from the previous year. Finalists spanned diverse regions including APAC, MENA, LATAM, and Central Asia, with innovations across health tech, fintech, AI, edtech, agrotech, and beyond.
Nepal’s own tech talent has the potential to shine brightly in this global arena. With an increasing number of STEM graduates and digital entrepreneurs, Aurora provides the validation, funding, and reach many Nepali founders need.
Testimonials from Previous Finalists
“Very few women-centric programs provide actual funding. Aurora does. As a woman founder, it was heartening to see real belief backed by capital.”
— Shreya Prakash, Third-place winner, Aurora Tech Award 2025
“Applying to Aurora was my way of saying: women are shaping the future through science.”
— Loretxu Garcia, 2025 Finalist, Chile
“Being recognized by a global community that shares this mission was both empowering and deeply validating.”
— Thais Sterenberg, 2025 Finalist, Brazil
Key Dates to Remember
Application Deadline: November 12, 2025 Quarterfinalists Announced: December 8, 2025 Semifinals and Finalists: Early 2026 Mentorship Program: February–March 2026 Award Ceremony: March–April 2026
How to Apply
Ready to lead change in Nepal’s tech sector?
Apply now at: www.auroratechaward.com
Stay connected on Aurora LinkedIn for updates and announcements.
About the Aurora Tech Award
Established by inDrive in 2021, the Aurora Tech Award empowers female founders from emerging markets. More than just a prize, it’s a launchpad for high-impact startups focused on innovation and social progress.
inDrive — the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app — uses its global reach across 48 countries and 888 cities to spotlight innovators who challenge injustice and bring gender equity to technology.