In a bold step toward closing the gender gap in Nigeria’s innovation space, the Aurora Tech Award has launched a groundbreaking accelerator to equip women-led startups with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in the global tech economy.
The new initiative, titled “Foundry for HER Bootcamp,” is a three-day virtual accelerator developed in partnership with The Nest Innovation Technology Park Ltd. Scheduled to run from October 15 to 17, 2025, the programme will mentor and train over 120 early-stage female founders across Nigeria in the fundamentals of business growth, from fundraising and pitching to scaling beyond local markets.
Building Capacity, Confidence, and Community
Organisers say the Foundry for HER Bootcamp goes beyond traditional training to create a community of women equipped to build sustainable, investor-ready ventures. The sessions are designed to offer practical tools and hands-on mentorship that help female entrepreneurs refine their business models and navigate the often challenging path to capital access.
“This is not just about surviving as a startup—it’s about scaling with purpose,” the organisers explained in a statement. “Our goal is to help women founders move from idea to impact by connecting them with mentors, networks, and funding opportunities that will accelerate their growth.”
Breaking Barriers in Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem
Despite a surge in women’s participation in tech and entrepreneurship, structural barriers continue to hinder their progress. Research shows that nearly 46 percent of small businesses in Nigeria shut down within their first three years, with female founders disproportionately affected by lack of mentorship, limited access to funding, and minimal visibility in investor networks.
The Foundry for HER Bootcamp seeks to reverse this trend by equipping women with the tools to compete on equal footing, scale sustainably, and drive innovation across sectors.
Towards a More Inclusive Innovation Economy
By combining mentorship with real-world strategy, the initiative reflects a growing recognition that gender inclusivity is not just a social priority—but an economic one. Women entrepreneurs, experts say, represent an untapped engine for Nigeria’s economic diversification and digital transformation.
As the Aurora Tech Award continues its mission to spotlight and support female innovators, the Foundry for HER Bootcamp is set to become a vital platform for shaping Nigeria’s next generation of women tech leaders—ambitious, resilient, and ready to compete on the global stage.
