Two Pakistani women-led startups have secured a coveted spot among the Top 100 global contenders for the Aurora Tech Award 2026, a major initiative by the global mobility platform inDrive aimed at empowering female tech entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
According to a statement today, the prestigious award provides winners with substantial support, including up to US$50,000 in non-dilutive funding, personalized mentorship, and access to a worldwide network of investors and markets.
Awais Saeed, Country Head of inDrive Pakistan, highlighted the significance of the recognition, stating that local women entrepreneurs possess immense potential but often struggle with access to financing, visibility, and strategic guidance. He noted that the award offers the necessary platform and resources for them to scale their ventures.
The long-term value of the initiative was echoed by Faiza Yousuf, a Pakistani finalist from the 2023 edition. ‘Being part of the Aurora Tech Award in 2023 gave my startup the visibility and credibility that continues to support my growth today,’ she remarked, adding that it ‘showed the world the potential of women-led initiatives in Pakistan.’
Submissions from the nation”s entrepreneurs spanned diverse sectors, including Education Technology (EdTech), Artificial Intelligence (AI/ML), Medical HealthTech, and Sustainability. The projects notably aligned with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as promoting quality education, advancing industry and innovation, and championing gender equality.
This year’s competition saw a record 3,400 applications submitted from 127 countries, underscoring the program”s growing international appeal. The final group of top finalists is scheduled for announcement in February 2026, with a global ceremony to follow later in the year.
The Aurora Tech Award is part of inDrive”s wider community-focused efforts in Pakistan, which extend beyond its core ride-hailing services to include driver support and initiatives aimed at amplifying the contributions of women in the technology sector.