Women’s Month brings with it an exciting opportunity for South African women entrepreneurs in technology. InDrive has officially opened applications for the Aurora Tech Award 2026, a global competition that recognises and supports female-led startups.
The award offers more than just recognition as it also provides up to R1.9 million in prize money, global visibility, and access to networks that can help scale your business. For many women founders, these resources are vital in overcoming barriers to funding, mentorship, and market access.
Africa has consistently shone on this stage, with African startups making it to the finals year after year, and in 2025, Nigeria’s Solape Akinpelu walked away with the top prize. This is proof that women innovators from the continent have what it takes to compete and win globally.
If you are leading a women-founded tech startup in South Africa, this is your chance to step into the spotlight. Applications are open until 12 November 2025, and competition is expected to be fierce, with over 2 000 submissions received worldwide last year.
Those intersted in applying, need to meet the following criteria to be eligible:, applicants must have:
- Total funding not exceeding R117 million. (including seed round),
- Founded or co-founded a start-up business that is led by a woman,
- Registered the business within the last five years,
- A working prototype, MVP or early clients,
- Be at pre-seed or seed stage.
With the different stages of the competition, quarterfinalists (top 100) will be announced on 8th December 2025, followed by semi-finalists and finalists in early 2026. Finalists will join a tailored mentorship programme before the award ceremony scheduled to take place between March and April 2026.
“All finalists also gain access to a curated network of investors and strategic partners, inDrive’s global expertise, and resources to grow and fundraise internationally,” inDrive concludes.
Prize money details are as follows:
- R925 000 – First place,
- R370 000 – Second place,
- R277 500 – Third place.
To find out more about the Aurora Tech Award 2026, as well as apply, log in HERE
