InDrive has unveiled the Underdog Tech Award, aimed at recognizing the founders of the most promising tech startups located outside of the established tech hubs and startup ecosystems.
The Underdog Tech Award encourages budding innovators to take advantage of this opportunity, as the application process is now officially open. Kenya is well-represented on the jury, with Fatma Nasujo, Global Head of Corporate Operations for Wasoko, serving as a distinguished member.
Making its inaugural global appearance, the Underdog Tech Award is making a notable impact in Kenya – a nation swiftly earning recognition as the epicenter of innovation in the East African region. This endeavor applauds Kenya's pivotal role in the African startup scene, underscoring the country's dedication to leading the way in pioneering technologies.
The Underdog Tech Award has been established to champion technology startups that have thrived despite confronting obstacles related to their geographical location, including constraints in resources, limited access to funding, and pivotal events.
The Underdog Tech Award welcomes early-stage technology startups situated outside the prominent IT centers, notably those in the US, Israel, and Europe, to partake in the selection process. To qualify for entry, startups must demonstrate a substantial positive influence on their communities (or possess the potential to do so) and exhibit promising prospects for rapid growth.
The initial phase, encompassing the application period, commences on September 19 and concludes on December 1, 2023. All submissions received within this timeframe will be duly evaluated.
In the second phase, commencing in December 2023, the award nominees and the top 20 candidates will be identified and selected for further consideration.
“At inDrive, we aim to unlock human potential and expand access to education and other social benefits. We consider it essential to support a global equality of access to the resources that support development and achievement: For example, we have already established the Aurora Tech Award, an award for women in IT, along with other initiatives to support those who need and deserve it”, says Mark Loughran, Group President of inDrive.
“Now we have organized an award for ‘underdogs’. We at inDrive are still underdogs, and proud of it. We aim to support innovative startups that make the world better. And we are thrilled to provide them with the platform and financial support needed for their growth and development.”
The Underdog Tech Award grants the recipient both recognition and a monetary prize (with a prize fund totaling $60,000). Furthermore, the winner will gain access to additional significant benefits: All participating startups will receive constructive feedback from a range of venture and investment funds.
Candidates who make it to the shortlist will also be given the chance to receive feedback from the distinguished jury of the award. Furthermore, recipients will benefit from PR support and the valuable opportunity to undergo training provided by industry experts.
