Botswana artificial intelligence startup OrionX has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Awards, placing the company among 33 finalists selected from more than 1,300 applications submitted across 126 countries.
The shortlist recognizes startups and small-to-medium enterprises that have successfully transformed innovative ideas into scalable businesses while strategically leveraging intellectual property (IP) to protect and grow their innovations.
OrionX was selected in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) category for its work developing AI solutions tailored to African markets through its flagship platform, Uhuru.
The startup is addressing a challenge that has increasingly come into focus as artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across the continent. Most mainstream AI systems are built using predominantly Western datasets, hosted on infrastructure outside Africa, and designed for English-speaking, high-bandwidth environments. This often leaves African businesses, governments, and institutions reliant on technologies that are not optimized for local realities.
OrionX's Uhuru platform seeks to bridge that gap by delivering AI that understands African languages, regulatory environments, and business contexts. The platform is accessible through both web interfaces and WhatsApp, allowing users to access AI-powered services even in low-connectivity environments.
The company has also placed a strong emphasis on intellectual property protection, a key criterion in the WIPO awards. OrionX protects its proprietary AI model architecture and training methodologies as trade secrets while pursuing trademark and copyright protection across its operating markets.
According to WIPO, the 33 finalists were evaluated on four key criteria: the strength of their business model and existing IP portfolio, future growth potential and international IP strategy, the company's internal IP culture, and its potential to create positive societal impact.
This year's finalists are spread across six categories: Agriculture & Food, Creative Industries, Environment, Health, ICT, and Sports, which was introduced as a new category for the 2026 edition.
Beyond the recognition, all finalists gain entry into the WIPO Global Awards Alumni Community, which provides access to investor and accelerator matchmaking opportunities, expert-led sessions on intellectual property strategy, and introductions to global events and business networks.
The winners will be selected by an international jury comprising entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. They will be announced on July 10 during the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, Switzerland, in front of delegates representing 194 countries.