At the Orange Digital Center, innovation is not just about technology; it’s about people, purpose, and progress. For Richlyn Kainekay Turay, that opportunity came through the Orange Social Venture Prize 2025 (OSVP), a milestone she says transformed her journey as an entrepreneur.
Turay, Co-CEO of TechMinds SL Ltd., leads the development of Smart College, a digital platform designed to modernise higher education management in Sierra Leone by streamlining operations and improving learning experiences for both students and educators.
She describes being named OSVP Tech Queen 2025 as more than an award, calling it “a powerful vote of confidence” in her work, her solution, and the role women can play in driving innovation when given the right support.
Before OSVP, Smart College was an emerging idea. After the programme, Turay says, it evolved into a more refined and scalable solution.
With mentorship, strategic guidance, and increased visibility, the platform expanded significantly, introducing enhanced features, improved performance, and workflows tailored to the needs of academic institutions. The exposure also opened doors to partnerships and industry engagement, helping position the product within Sierra Leone’s growing education technology space.
“OSVP did not just showcase our work,” she noted. “It connected us to networks, knowledge, and opportunities that strengthened our solution and accelerated our growth.”
Turay credits much of her growth to the support received through the Orange Digital Center, where she gained more than technical skills.
Through mentorship and targeted support, she strengthened her leadership capacity, refined her business strategy, and developed a clearer vision for scaling responsibly. She says the experience reinforced the importance of people-centred innovation.
For women in technology, she adds, such support systems are critical. “Innovation becomes stronger when every voice has the opportunity to lead,” she said.
As applications open for the Orange Social Venture Prize 2026, Turay is now encouraging young women with innovative ideas to take part.
She emphasised that the programme is not only for fully developed solutions but also for ideas with potential.
“If your idea is still evolving, apply. If you are unsure whether you are ready, take the step anyway,” she said. “OSVP is about nurturing what is possible.”
She highlighted the benefits of participation, including mentorship, visibility, and access to a supportive community that encourages growth, collaboration, and bold thinking.
Today, Smart College is supporting more institutions and contributing to a more digitally enabled education sector in Sierra Leone. Beyond her own work, Turay says OSVP has deepened her commitment to mentoring young people, particularly women, in technology and entrepreneurship.
Her message is clear: innovation thrives when knowledge is shared and opportunities are expanded.
Why OSVP 2026 Matters
Applications for OSVP 2026 are open to entrepreneurs across Sierra Leone from 26 March to 17 May 2026. The competition offers national and international prizes, including awards for women-led innovations.
Turay believes the programme can be a turning point for aspiring innovators.
“OSVP changed my path,” she said. “It can shape yours too.”
For many young entrepreneurs, especially women, the prize represents more than funding—it offers a platform to turn ideas into lasting impact.
