Aurora Tech Award unveils bootcamp for women-led startups
The Aurora Tech Award, in partnership with The Nest Innovation Technology Park, has announced the launch of the Foundry for HER Bootcamp, a three-day, high-impact virtual accelerator designed exclusively for early-stage women-led tech startups in Nigeria.Scheduled to run from October 15 to 17, 2025, the bootcamp aims to equip 120 female founders with practical tools, mentorship and investor readiness to scale their businesses and position them for the global Aurora Tech Award Open Call 2026. Applications opened on September 8 and will close on October 3, 2025.
According to the organisers, the fully online programme will deliver sessions in key areas such as pitching, fundraising, and scaling beyond local markets, with guidance from leading ecosystem figures and investors.Head of the Aurora Tech Award, Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening women-led enterprises in Africa’s largest startup hub.“At the Aurora Tech Award, we focus on one thing: giving the world’s boldest women founders the fast track to scale,” she said.
“Nigeria has already proven itself on the global stage through our past winners, and with the Foundry for HER Bootcamp we’re doubling down, giving early-stage founders the tools, network, and visibility to scale their companies and compete at the highest level.”Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has gained global attention in recent years, but female founders continue to face challenges accessing capital and visibility. The partnership with Lagos-based Nest Innovation Technology Park is expected to provide a support structure that connects women entrepreneurs to knowledge, networks, and long-term opportunities.Two Nigerian entrepreneurs have won the Aurora Tech Award in consecutive years: Folake Owodunni, founder of Emergency Response Africa in 2024, and Solape Akinpelu, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HerVest, in 2025.
Their recognition has highlighted the strength of women-led innovation in Nigeria and provided inspiration for other female founders.Reflecting on her win, Solape Akinpelu said the award extends beyond individual recognition.“The Aurora Tech Award is more than recognition; it’s the opportunity to be part of a community that champions women in tech who are shaping the future,” she said.“ This award isn’t just mine; it belongs to every woman who dares to dream, build, and lead in spaces where she wasn’t expected to be,” added Akinpelu.
