AURORA Tech Award, a worldwide prize for female founders of IT and Tech Startups, and inDrive’s empowering opportunity for female startup founders in tech, took to the Lagos Startup Week stage to recognize five powerful female founders and finalists of its recently concluded annual global prize.

The inclusive organisation bridging the funding gap for female founders in tech by breaking down barriers and promoting equality in tech entrepreneurship received 649 applications from female participants across the globe.

Following a thorough assessment, Nigerian entrepreneur, Folake Owodunni, CEO & Founder of Emergency Response Africa, topped her peers to receive the prized funding of $30,000. In addition to cash prizes, the Aurora Tech Award provided winners with mentorship, access to a global network of investors, and media exposure to scale their ventures.

The Aurora Tech Award in partnership with the Women Who Launch Track of the Lagos Startup Week, sponsored a fire chat session featuring CEO, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, and a panel session themed: ‘Aurora Tech Award: Female Founded, Female Funded’ with Mercy Akanno, Head, TEDx Lagos (Moderator) and the award’s 2024 finalists- Eniola Edun, Co-founder, Gamr; Ifeoma Nwobu, Co-founder/COO, Sendstack; Jumoke Dada, Founder, Talieo; Damilola Olokesusi, Co-founder/CEO, Shuttlers; and Olapeju Umah, Founder/ CEO, MyFoodAngels as panelists.

During the session, Nwobu said: “Aurora Tech Award is doing a fantastic job through mentoring, funding and award. You would not find too many gender-based organisations in Nigeria such as Aurora Tech Award that provide a platform like this.”

The panelists shared valuable startup experiences, challenges in the startup ecosystem in Nigeria, and solutions.
Partnerships Manager, EMEA, Aurora Tech Award, Nadeen Hossam, spoke on the need for representation in funding strategy for startups.

“We believe in breaking down barriers and promoting equality in tech entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs in IT face challenges like investor bias, stereotypes, and a lack of role models, limiting their representation.

“According to Crunchbase, only 2.3% of venture funding goes to women-led startups. And we’re here to change that! Our mission is to discover hidden gems among startups led by women, providing the support they need to shine brightly. Join us in setting new, fair standards in the venture world.”

Unveiling the 2024 winners at the Lagos Startup Week, Aurora Tech Award shared details of female-founded startups that won the first, second, and third prizes. Co-founder, Emergency Response Africa, Nigeria, Folake Owodunni emerged the 2024 winner with the first prize worth $30,000 for her organisation’s sustainable and scalable solution providing emergency medical services.

Hannah Töpler, Intrare, Mexico, and Sarah Phiri-Molema, Deaftronics (Pty) Ltd, Botswana emerged second and third winners respectively.

As the accomplishments of these remarkable women are celebrated, there is also anticipation for supporting the next generation of female tech entrepreneurs. Female founders with tech startups are encouraged to look out for the Aurora Tech Award applications opening in September 2024.