By: Archie Boan
A Liberian entrepreneur is making waves on the global stage after securing a spot among the top five finalists in one of the world’s most competitive university-led startup contests at Harvard University.
Hellen S. Momoh, founder of Surna Technologies, has advanced to the final round of the prestigious Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge, outperforming more than 175 other innovators from across the globe.
Momoh’s venture is focused on building sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure technology designed to help governments and public institutions maintain control over their own data systems.
Her work aims to strengthen digital independence, improve governance, and enable more effective, data-driven decision-making, particularly in developing countries.
Her selection as a top finalist reflects not only the strength of her idea but also its global relevance at a time when nations are increasingly prioritizing data security and technological sovereignty.
This milestone carries significant weight for Liberia. Momoh’s achievement highlights the growing presence of Liberian talent in elite global innovation spaces and underscores the country’s potential to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge technological advancement.
Observers say her success represents a broader shift, as a new generation of young Liberians push beyond traditional boundaries, building scalable solutions and competing on international platforms once considered out of reach.
As she prepares for the final stage of the competition, Momoh’s journey is being widely seen as both a personal triumph and a defining moment of national pride one that signals Liberia’s rising footprint in the global innovation ecosystem.
