When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
Surna Technologies, An AI startup founded in Liberia is earning global acclaim for helping governments and public organisations implement sophisticated AI systems while preserving sovereignty over their data.
Surna Technologies, an independent AI and cloud infrastructure firm, has been selected as a semifinalist in Harvard University’s President’s Innovation Challenge. This prestigious program highlights significant student-driven initiatives from around the world.
Selected from numerous programs backed by Harvard, Surna’s recognition elevates Liberia to a unique global position in the swiftly growing domain of sovereign artificial intelligence.
The company is founded on the belief that African nations should possess and control their entire digital technology framework. Surna emphasises secure data ownership and the local development and deployment of AI systems. It doesn’t rely on foreign cloud and technology providers for essential infrastructure.
Hellen S. Momoh, the founder of Surna Technologies, who is also a data science graduate student at Harvard University, stated that the initiative signifies a broader transformation in how African institutions interact with cutting-edge technologies.
“If data is the new oil, Africa needs to establish its own refinery,” Momoh stated. “Surna is creating the foundational framework that enables African institutions to leverage their own insights.”
Surna Reaches Significant Milestone for Liberia
Surna’s achievements in the Harvard competition are a significant milestone for Liberia. It positions the nation within a limited yet expanding group of African countries developing indigenous sovereign AI technologies.
Analysts indicate that the company represents a broader continental trend that encompasses areas from financial technology to climate intelligence. Also, it is focused on ensuring that national digital systems are designed, built, and operated in Africa for African organizations.
Using Liberia as its first test location, Surna intends to expand throughout West Africa and the wider ECOWAS region. Its services encompass cloud infrastructure, national observability systems, and AI solutions across various sectors for both public and private organisations.
Harvard’s Innovation Labs referred to the semifinalists as the university’s most promising new ventures. Finalists are anticipated to be revealed in March 2026.
If chosen as one of five finalists in the Open Track, Surna will participate live for a portion of over $500,000 in funding.
For Momoh, the acknowledgement holds importance that transcends the business alone.
“This achievement is not solely focused on Surna,” she stated. “It demonstrates that Liberia has the potential to innovate like the world’s foremost institutions and compete in premier global technology ecosystems.” “This marks the start of a new era for Africa’s digital prospects.”
