The Aurora Tech Award 2026 is now open for applications, calling on bold women founders of technology startups to step onto the global stage. This international award, established by inDrive in 2021, celebrates women driving innovation and creating social impact through technology.
The award comes at a crucial time. According to inDrive’s 2024 research, women make up only 5% of tech entrepreneurs in Malaysia, while globally, just 2.3% of venture funding went to all-female founding teams. The Aurora Tech Award seeks to challenge these barriers by giving female founders greater visibility, recognition, and access to global networks.
“In Malaysia, women founders face unique challenges, from limited leadership representation to funding access. Yet their resilience is inspiring. The Aurora Tech Award is a chance to highlight Malaysia’s boldest women entrepreneurs and connect them with global opportunities,” said Shaerine Irwina Kaur, Communications Manager SEA at inDrive.
A Platform That’s Growing Worldwide
Applications have surged year after year — from 563 in 2023, to 694 in 2024, and a record-breaking 2,018 from 116 countries in 2025. Finalists have represented diverse regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific, with startups spanning health tech, AI, fintech, edtech, and agrotech.
Application Details
The open call runs from 12 August to 12 November 2025, and female founders can apply at auroratechaward.com.
To be eligible, startups must:
- Be founded or co-founded and led by a woman
- Be registered for no more than five years
- Have a working prototype, MVP, or early clients
- Be at pre-seed or seed stage
- Have total funding not exceeding USD 6 million
The Top 100 quarterfinalists will be announced on 8 December 2025, followed by the Top 30 semifinalists and finalists in early 2026. Finalists will also join a mentorship programme (Feb–Mar 2026), ahead of the award ceremony between March and April 2026.
Prizes and Beyond
Winners will receive:
- First Place – USD 50,000
- Second Place – USD 20,000
- Third Place – USD 15,000
Beyond cash prizes, finalists will gain access to global investors, strategic partners, tailored mentorship, and inDrive’s international expertise to help scale their ventures.
By shining a spotlight on visionary women in tech, the Aurora Tech Award 2026 continues its mission to inspire innovation, fuel inclusivity, and shape a more equitable digital future.