Islamabad: inDrive, an international mobility and services company, is now accepting applications for its 2026 Aurora Tech Award. This flagship program supports female tech entrepreneurs in Pakistan and other nations who are creating innovative solutions with substantial social impact. The competition offers women business leaders a chance for global recognition, access to leading investors, personalized guidance, and growth funding. The top prize is $50,000, with second and third place receiving $20,000 and $15,000, respectively.
Faiza Yousuf, a 2023 Aurora Tech Award finalist from Pakistan, shared her experience. “Applying for the Aurora Tech Award allowed us to showcase our impact and connect with a global network,” Yousuf stated. The recognition, she added, strengthened her resolve and the mission of her venture.
Initiated in 2021, the Aurora Tech Award has become a prominent showcase for women's contributions to technology, especially in developing economies. The 2025 competition attracted over 2,000 applications from 116 countries, with finalists representing diverse fields like health tech, artificial intelligence, financial technology, educational technology, and agricultural technology.
Awais Saeed, inDrive's Pakistan Country Head, emphasized the potential of Pakistani women entrepreneurs, noting the obstacles they face in acquiring funding, gaining visibility, and securing tactical assistance. "The Aurora Tech Awards aims to dismantle these hurdles and empower women to realize their ideas globally," Saeed explained.
The top 100 applicants (quarterfinalists) will be revealed on December 8, 2025. Semifinalists (top 30) and finalists will be announced in early 2026. Finalists will then participate in a personalized mentorship program in February and March 2026, before the awards ceremony in March or April 2026.
Applications are open from August 12 to November 12, 2025, at auroratechaward.com. Eligible ventures must be founded or co-founded and led by a woman, registered within the last five years, have a working prototype or early customers, be at the pre-seed or seed stage, and have secured no more than $6 million in total investment. Complete eligibility criteria are on the website.
Beyond ride-hailing, inDrive supports drivers, offers affordable transportation, and engages in community-focused projects in Pakistan. Through programs like the Aurora Tech Award, inDrive actively promotes women's advancement and provides them a global platform to exhibit their abilities.