Aurora Tech Award 2026 Calls Bold Women Tech Founders from Malaysia to the Global Stage

Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2025 - Applications are now open for the Aurora Tech Award 2026, an international prize that spotlights bold women founders of technology startups who are driving innovation and social impact worldwide. inDrive’s 2024 research into women in technology in Malaysia reveals that women make up only 5% of tech entrepreneurs. Globally, only 2.3% of venture funding went to female-only founding teams in 2024, making this award a timely platform to showcase local female founders on the world stage.  

Founded by inDrive in 2021, the Aurora Tech Award has grown into a powerful platform for elevating underrepresented voices in the tech world. Over the years, applications have surged from 563 in 2023, to 694 in 2024, and a record-breaking 2,018 from 116 countries in 2025. Finalists have come from diverse regions including Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Latin America (LATAM), Central Asia, and Asia-Pacific (APAC), with startups spanning health tech, AI, fintech, edtech, agrotech, and more. 

“In Malaysia, women founders face unique challenges, from limited representation in leadership to funding access. Yet, their resilience continues to inspire. The Aurora Tech Award is a chance to spotlight Malaysia’s boldest women entrepreneurs and connect them with global opportunities. Female founders in Malaysia are showing resilience despite challenges, from being asked tougher, risk-focused questions to having fewer women in decision-making roles within VC firms and boards. With more visibility and representation, there’s strong potential to unlock greater opportunities and create a more inclusive tech ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.” said Shaerine Irwina Kaur, Communications Manager SEA, inDrive. 

The open call is from August 12, 2025 - November 12, 2025. Female founders can apply by submitting an online application at auroratechaward.com 

To be eligible, startups must meet the following criteria: 

• Founded or co-founded and led by a woman; 

• Registered no more than 5 years ago; 

• Have a working prototype, Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or early clients; 

• Pre-seed or seed stage; 

• Total funding not exceeding USD 6 million. 

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The Top 100 female founders, marking the quarterfinal stage of the competition, will be unveiled on December 8, 2025. This will be followed by the announcement of the Top 30 semifinalists and finalists in early 2026. Finalists will then undergo a tailored mentorship programme from February to March 2026, culminating in the Aurora Tech Award ceremony taking place between March and April 2026. 

Finalists will be chosen by a distinguished jury of investors and industry leaders, evaluated on the innovation, scalability, and social impact of their startups. The winners will be awarded: 

​​Prize Category	​Awards
​First Place	​$50,000
​Second Place	​$20,000
​Third Place	​$15,000​

Beyond the cash prizes, all finalists will gain exclusive access to a curated network of investors and strategic partners, inDrive’s global expertise with dedicated mentorship, as well as resources designed to help them grow, fundraise, and scale their startups internationally. By spotlighting visionary women in tech, the Aurora Tech Award continues to inspire innovation, drive change, and create a more inclusive future.