Global mobility and urban services platform inDrive has announced its TOP 100 list of women entrepreneurs for the 2026 Aurora Tech Award, the only global prize dedicated to supporting female founders in the technology sector across emerging markets. This year’s announcement follows a record-breaking 3,400 applications from 127 countries, a significant increase from 2,018 applications in 2025, signaling the growing momentum of female leadership in the global tech landscape.
Egypt Shines on Global Stage
The MENA region, particularly Egypt, has demonstrated a strong presence on this year’s list. The Egyptian startups featured represent a diverse range of sectors, including EdTech, Health and Wellness, AI, Cybersecurity, and Quality of Life technologies, reflecting the depth of innovation within the country’s female-led startup ecosystem.
Among the notable Egyptian founders is Nour, the founder of “Dalila,” a women’s health application. The app offers innovative solutions for young women to track their reproductive, sexual, and menstrual health, positioning itself as a trusted digital companion for women in Egypt and the wider MENA region.
Global Trends in Female-Led Tech
The TOP 100 list revealed several key global trends among startups in emerging markets. HealthTech was the most prominent sector, with 23 startups focusing on solutions in women’s health and public health. AgriTech and FoodTech also featured heavily, often utilizing a B2B model to serve local and regional institutions.
Furthermore, 18 of the listed EdTech companies have integrated AI tools to enhance education and information access. The application of AI and machine learning was a clear trend across several countries, including Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The majority of companies on the list operate on a B2B model, underscoring a focus on scalable solutions designed to meet institutional needs.
An Elite Cohort
Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, Director of the Aurora Tech Award, commented on the caliber of this year’s nominees.
“The TOP 100 list represents only 3% of the total applications received. These are exceptional founders building robust, impactful companies that provide real solutions to challenges within their communities and markets,” said Ghassemi-Smith. “We are proud to highlight their outstanding impact.”
The award finalists are scheduled to be announced in February 2026, with a global ceremony to honor the winners later in the year.
About Aurora Tech Award
The Aurora Tech Award is an initiative supporting bold female entrepreneurs in emerging markets. It provides a platform for founders to access capital, investors, and experts to accelerate the growth of their startups.
About inDrive
inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform with over 360 million app downloads. Available in more than 982 cities across 48 countries, its services include intercity transportation, delivery, and financial services. The company also operates a venture arm, New Ventures.
Source: eltaameer
