KATHMANDU, AUGUST 26

Applications are now open for the 2026 Aurora Tech Award, a global initiative that recognizes women founders of tech startups driving innovation and social change.

Launched by ride-hailing platform inDrive in 2021, the award supports early-stage women-led startups combining technology with impact. The 2025 edition received a record 2,018 applications from 116 countries, with finalists representing diverse sectors including AI, health tech, fintech, and edtech.

Applications close on November 12, 2025, with quarterfinalists to be announced on December 8. Winners will be selected in early 2026 based on innovation, scalability, and social impact. Prizes include $50,000 for first place, $20,000 for second, and $15,000 for third.

'The Aurora Tech Award is more than a prize – it's a springboard for the next generation of bold women founders,' said Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, head of the award.

Eligible startups must be women-led, under five years old, at pre-seed or seed stage, and have raised less than $6 million in funding. Applications can be submitted at auroratechaward.com.