Solape Akinpelu, the founder of Hervest, has emerged winner of the 2025 Aurora Tech Award with a cash prize of $30,000.
Akinpelu and Manzo Nyifamu Ogechi, founder of Farmatrix, were the only Nigerians among the top 10 finalists for the award.
The award, which is an initiative of inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, recognises women founders whose tech-driven solutions are creating real impact.
Solape Akinpelu was announced winner at the award ceremony held from April 11 to 13, 2025.
Hervest, her startup, was selected for its innovation in strengthening food security and agricultural supply chains across Africa. The platform’s work in supporting local farming communities earned her the top spot.
She becomes the second Nigerian in a row to win the prize, following Folake Owodunni’s win in 2024.
Speaking at the event, Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, head of the Aurora Tech Award, said the initiative is focused on backing the most promising founders.
“The Aurora Tech Award isn’t about representation for the sake of it — it’s about backing the highest-potential founders building real companies.”
Evgenia Matrosova, chief growth officer at inDrive, added that the award is a deliberate step towards closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship.
According to Matrosova:
“Our mission is to drive systemic change in emerging markets like MENA, closing the gender investment gap. The Aurora Tech Award is not just an accolade, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of unicorn founders.”
The organisers said the 2025 edition attracted 2,018 applications from 116 countries, twice the number received last year.
Other finalists include Loretxu Garcia Arraztoa of Chile, who emerged as the first runner-up, Shreya Prakash of India, the second runner-up, Laura Velásquez Herrera of Colombia, and Leonie Korn of Switzerland.
The first, second, and third runners-up also bagged $20,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively.
