Nigerian entrepreneur, Folake Owodunni, CEO & Founder of Emergency Response Africa, emerged as the winner of the $30,000 prize money at the Aurora Tech Award, a global initiative recognizing female founders in IT and Tech startups. The award, in partnership with Women Who Launch Track of Lagos Startup Week, seeks to bridge the funding gap for female founders in tech and promote equality in the entrepreneurship landscape.
The Aurora Tech Award received 649 applications from female participants worldwide, with Owodunni beating her peers to secure the coveted funding. Along with the cash prize, winners also receive mentorship opportunities, access to global investors, and media exposure to help scale their ventures.
During the Lagos Startup Week event, a fire chat session sponsored by Aurora Tech Award featured discussions on supporting female founders in tech, with key speakers emphasizing the need for representation and funding for startups led by women. The session provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by female tech founders in Nigeria and beyond, showcasing the resilience and determination of these entrepreneurs.
A panel discussion highlighted the journeys of female founders in the tech industry, sharing experiences, successes, and challenges. Panelists emphasized the importance of organizations like Aurora Tech Award in providing a platform for women to shine and succeed in the male-dominated tech ecosystem.
In line with its commitment to supporting female founders, Aurora Tech Award recognized other finalists, including Eniola Edun, Ifeoma Nwobu, Jumoke Dada, Damilola Olokesusi, and Olapeju Umah, showcasing the diverse talents and innovations of women in the tech space.
The article also detailed the accomplishments of other winners at the event, such as Hannah Töpler of Intrare, Mexico, and Sarah Phiri-Molema of Deaftronics (Pty) Ltd, Botswana, who secured the second and third prizes, respectively. Their innovative solutions aimed at promoting inclusivity, fair employment, and accessible healthcare underscored the importance of supporting female-led startups in driving impact and change.
Partnering with Lagos Startup Week, Aurora Tech Award is spearheading efforts to empower female founders in tech, offering them a platform to showcase their innovations and receive the recognition they deserve. As the tech ecosystem continues to evolve, the focus on supporting women in tech remains crucial for fostering diversity, innovation, and sustainable growth in the industry.
Looking ahead, female founders with tech startups are encouraged to apply for the upcoming Aurora Tech Award, scheduled to open in September 2024. This presents a valuable opportunity for women entrepreneurs to gain visibility, support, and resources to scale their ventures and make a lasting impact in the tech sector.
