Applications are officially open for the new edition of the Women Shaping Tech award. Promoted by the Portuguese Association for the Development of Communications (APDC), the Women Shaping Tech Award aims to support initiatives that increase the participation of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Addressing the Gender Gap in Technical Careers
Despite recent progress in Portugal’s digital sector, women account for only about 20% of information and communication technology (ICT) specialists. Furthermore, female enrollment in university-level STEM courses remains low. Through targeted women in tech grants and awards, APDC seeks to speed up existing projects that focus on attracting, retaining, and developing female talent.
The initiative is open to a wide range of applicants, including startups, private companies, universities, non-profit organizations, and public entities. Professionals and founders who want to engage with the broader ecosystem can explore upcoming tech events.
Project Evaluation and Recognition
Applications close in September, after which a panel of judges will review submissions. Selection criteria focus on measurable impact, sustainability, scalability, and the ability to reach underserved regions.
The winning projects will be announced in October during the STEM Women Congress in Lisbon. This initiative highlights the growing momentum behind every female tech founders initiative designed to build a more balanced digital workforce. Organizations looking for local spaces to build and scale their teams can check out coworking spaces in Portugal.
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