Four Indian startups, Aica Health, Dzylo, MAMMA-MIYA, and Tech4Good Community, have been longlisted for the prestigious Aurora Tech Award. This award, an initiative of inDrive, recognizes female founders in emerging markets. The competition this year was particularly fierce, with 2,018 applications from 116 countries, a number that has doubled since last year, emphasizing the growing interest and innovation in women-led startups globally.
Aica Health, founded by Manishaa Soin, utilizes AI technology to help manage chronic health conditions and provide coordinated care for the elderly at home. Dzylo, co-founded by Anita Tailor, offers an AI-driven SaaS platform designed for interior designers to streamline business operations. MAMMA-MIYA similarly employs AI to assist mothers in balancing productivity and personal well-being. Meanwhile, Tech4Good Community is recognized for its Flake platform, which is aimed at improving data management for NGOs.
The announcement of the top finalists is expected in February 2025, leading up to a global ceremony later in the year to celebrate the winners. The selection process for this year’s nominees involved rigorous evaluation from a record number of applications, highlighting the determination and innovation of female entrepreneurs in the tech sphere.
Healthtech was notably the leading sector among the longlisted startups, reflecting a strong global focus on healthcare innovations. Other key sectors included agritech and edtech, while the renewable energy sector saw limited representation.
The surge in female entrepreneurship is notable, with research indicating a significant increase in the number of women starting businesses. In emerging markets, 17% of working-age women are entrepreneurs, with even more aspiring to enter the field. This trend is attracting increased venture capital interest, emphasizing the resilience and potential of these markets.
Additionally, studies show that women-led startups tend to outperform those led by men in terms of revenue efficiency, which further supports the significance of female entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth.
The Aurora Tech Award not only highlights these empowering women but also equips them with vital mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities necessary for business scaling and success.
As we look ahead, the recognition of female founders through initiatives like the Aurora Tech Award signals a hopeful trend towards greater gender equality in entrepreneurship and innovation, hinting at a brighter future for individuals and communities alike.