Richlyn Kainekay Turay, the 2025 Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) Tech Queen Winner and Co-Chief Executive Officer of TechMinds SL Ltd. Has encouraged Sierra Leonean women to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship. Ms. Turay stated that the recognition from OSVP was "more than receiving an award. It was a powerful vote of confidence; confidence in the problem we are solving, the potential of our solution and the impact women can create when given the right support."
Ms. Turay added that OSVP "did not simply showcase our product. It connected us to people, networks and knowledge that strengthened our solution and positioned it for sustainable growth." She emphasized the importance of such backing, noting, "For women in technology and entrepreneurship, this kind of intentional support matters deeply." Ms. Turay extended an invitation, saying, "To every young woman with an idea capable of solving a real challenge: OSVP is for you. If your solution is still evolving, apply. If you are unsure whether you are ready, take the step anyway." She added that she continues to mentor students and young entrepreneurs because "innovation grows stronger when knowledge is shared and opportunities are multiplied," concluding, "OSVP changed my path. It might just shape yours too."
Richlyn's Journey and Vision
Richlyn Kainekay Turay delivered remarks on the theme: “When Innovation Meets Opportunity.” Ms. Turay stated that receiving the OSVP Tech Queen 2025 recognition was "more than receiving an award. It was a powerful vote of confidence; confidence in the problem we are solving, the potential of our solution and the impact women can create when given the right support."
Ms. Turay added that OSVP "did not simply showcase our product. It connected us to people, networks and knowledge that strengthened our solution and positioned it for sustainable growth." She noted the significance of such backing, noting, "For women in technology and entrepreneurship, this kind of intentional support matters deeply." TechMinds SL Ltd. A Sierra Leone-based software and IT consultancy firm, is co-led by Ms. Turay. The company developed Smart College, a platform designed to streamline institutional operations and improve learning experiences for students and educators across higher learning institutions in Sierra Leone.
Ms. Turay urged aspiring innovators, stating, "To every young woman with an idea capable of solving a real challenge: OSVP is for you. If your solution is still evolving, apply. If you are unsure whether you are ready, take the step anyway." She further explained her commitment to mentorship, saying, "I continue to mentor students and young entrepreneurs because innovation grows stronger when knowledge is shared and opportunities are multiplied." Ms. Turay concluded by reflecting on her own experience, observing, "OSVP changed my path. It might just shape yours too."
OSVP 2026: Opportunities and Prizes
The Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) 2026 marks the eighth edition of the competition. Entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone are invited to submit innovative projects for consideration, with the submission window open from March 26 to May 17, 2026.
OSVP 2026 offers several prize categories for participants. The National Winner in Sierra Leone can receive a prize of SLE 200,000. Additionally, the winner of the Tech Queen Women’s Category for OSVP 2026 is eligible for SLE 120,000. Beyond national recognition, the competition also includes international prizes. These international awards for OSVP 2026 range from €10,000 to €25,000. A dedicated International Women’s Prize is also available, offering a sum of €20,000.
Call to Aspiring Innovators
Richlyn Kainekay Turay spoke from Freetown on Monday, 11 May 2026, where she emphasized the importance of support for women in technology. Her flagship innovation is Smart College, a digital platform designed to modernize higher education management. Ms. Turay stated that being recognized as the OSVP Tech Queen 2025 was "more than receiving an award. It was a powerful vote of confidence; confidence in the problem we are solving, the potential of our solution and the impact women can create when given the right support."
Prior to OSVP, Smart College was largely at an early development stage. Ms. Turay noted how the prize provided key backing, noting, "OSVP did not simply showcase our product. It connected us to people, networks and knowledge that strengthened our solution and positioned it for sustainable growth." She added that "for women in technology and entrepreneurship, this kind of intentional support matters deeply." Ms. Turay urged aspiring innovators, saying, "To every young woman with an idea capable of solving a real challenge: OSVP is for you." She concluded, "OSVP changed my path. It might just shape yours too."