The Aurora Tech Award, an esteemed global prize for female founders of IT and tech startups, took center stage at the Lagos Startup Week on Thursday, July 11, 2024, recognizing five outstanding female founders. Among them, Nigerian entrepreneur Folake Owodunni, CEO and Founder of Emergency Response Africa, emerged as the winner, securing a $30,000 prize.
This year, the Aurora Tech Award received 649 applications from female participants worldwide. The award, in partnership with inDrive, aims to bridge the funding gap for female tech entrepreneurs by breaking down barriers and promoting equality. The rigorous assessment process concluded with Folake Owodunni being awarded the top prize for her innovative work in emergency medical services.
In addition to cash prizes, the Aurora Tech Award offers winners mentorship opportunities, access to a global network of investors, and media exposure to help scale their ventures.
The award ceremony, in collaboration with the Women Who Launch Track of Lagos Startup Week, featured a fireside chat with Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of The Tony Elumelu Foundation, and a panel session titled “Aurora Tech Award: Female Founded, Female Funded.” The panel included Mercy Akanno, Head of TEDx Lagos, and the 2024 award finalists: Eniola Edun (Gamr), Ifeoma Nwobu (Sendstack), Jumoke Dada (Talieo), Damilola Olokesusi (Shuttlers), and Olapeju Umah (MyFoodAngels).
During the session, Ifeoma Nwobu, Co-founder and COO of Sendstack, praised the Aurora Tech Award for its impactful mentoring and funding. “Aurora Tech Award is doing a fantastic job through mentoring, funding, and awards. It’s rare to find gender-based organizations in Nigeria that provide such a platform,” she said.
Nwobu highlighted the insights gained from her fellow founders during the panel. “The session was full of practical experiences on starting a business. I learned valuable tips from my co-speakers and look forward to more sessions powered by Aurora Tech Award and similar organizations,” she added.
Panelists shared their startup journeys, challenges in the Nigerian startup ecosystem, and solutions, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the business and funding landscape for female tech founders.
Nadeen Hossam, Partnerships Manager for EMEA at Aurora Tech Award, emphasized the need for representation in startup funding. “We believe in breaking down barriers and promoting equality in tech entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs face challenges like investor bias and a lack of role models. Our mission is to discover and support startups led by women, helping them shine brightly,” she stated.
Olumide Olayinka, Co-founder of Prime Startups, which organizes Lagos Startup Week, noted the event’s new focus on female participation. “This year, we partnered with Aurora Tech Award to celebrate female founders within our Women Who Launch track. It was impactful, and we are committed to more partnerships that highlight our female founders’ achievements,” he said.
The Aurora Tech Award also announced the second and third prize winners. Hannah Töpler of Intrare (Mexico) won second place for her inclusive AI-driven recruitment platform, and Sarah Phiri-Molema of Deaftronics (Botswana) took third place for her solar-powered hearing aid for underserved communities.
As the accomplishments of these remarkable women are celebrated, there is anticipation for supporting the next generation of female tech entrepreneurs. Female founders with tech startups are encouraged to apply for the Aurora Tech Award in September 2024, providing an opportunity to gain recognition and support for their innovations.
For more information, stay tuned to the Aurora Tech Award’s upcoming announcements and prepare to showcase your innovations to the world.
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