Kampala, Uganda — Innovators, researchers, policymakers, and investors gathered at Makerere University’s School of Public Health Auditorium for the AI Innovation Demo Day 2026, a showcase of emerging artificial intelligence startups and ideas shaping the future of technology in Uganda.
Hosted by Pathogen Economy Labs (PEL) with support from the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, the event highlighted how AI research developed within universities and innovation labs is increasingly translating into real-world solutions and market-ready ventures.
The Demo Day is part of the AI Innovation Academy, an initiative focused on nurturing early-stage innovators and supporting them in transforming ideas into scalable startups.
Building an Engine for AI Innovation
Opening the event, Dr. Andrew Katumba emphasized the importance of demonstrating the return on government investment in innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence.
Over the past five years, the team has worked on developing AI-powered platforms focused on preventive healthcare, while also launching a data platform with more than 70 datasets, some of which are exclusive to Ugandan citizens. These datasets are intended to support researchers, developers, and innovators building new AI solutions.
The broader goal is to scale national capacity for AI innovation and build an ecosystem capable of turning research into viable companies that contribute to Uganda’s economy.
From Research to Real-World Solutions
Echoing this vision, Dr. Joyce Nakatumba highlighted that Pathogen Economy Labs is focused not only on academic research but also on solving real-world challenges through commercialization.
“Our focus as Pathogen Economy Labs is not only teaching and research; we’re solving real-world problems and pushing for commercialization so innovations can move from the university into industry,” she noted.
She also acknowledged the support and collaboration of partners, particularly the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, in helping create the infrastructure necessary to sustain innovation in AI.
A Platform for Emerging AI Startups
A key highlight of the event was the startup pitch session, where nine startup teams presented their AI-powered solutions to a panel of judges.
The startups demonstrated how AI can address challenges across sectors such as healthcare, security, and public services.
Among the solutions presented were:
Sentinel AI, a system that uses edge AI to analyze camera footage in real time, detecting suspicious activity, assessing risk, and triggering alerts before incidents escalate.
LiverAI, which applies deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify medical images and triage cases. The system flags high-risk scans for immediate confirmatory testing while routing ambiguous cases for specialist review.
Sukali Check, an AI-powered mobile tool designed to predict an individual’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes before the disease fully develops.
GRITAP AI, a clinical decision support tool designed to identify HIV patients at risk of viral rebound, helping clinicians intervene early and adjust treatment plans.
The pitches reflected a strong emphasis on AI-driven health innovation, as well as solutions addressing broader societal needs.
Innovation Grants Awarded
Following the presentations, six startups were awarded innovation grants in recognition of the potential impact of their solutions:
- GRITAP AI
- LiverAI
- Sukali Check
- Law Lens
- Simu
- Sentinel
In addition, three early-stage startups, Feyti Ltd, Impala Health, and Novitas Diagnostics, each received UGX 50 million under the Artificial Intelligence in Health Incubation Grant Program, which focuses on advancing AI-driven health technologies in Uganda.
These grants are designed to help teams continue developing their solutions and move toward commercialization and real-world deployment.
AI as a Strategic National Capability
The event also featured insights from industry leaders and policymakers on the role AI will play in Uganda’s economic future.
David Gonahasa, Lead for Industry 4.0, emphasized the need to shift how AI is perceived.
“AI should be viewed as a skill, not just a tool,” he explained. “It’s about training AI to achieve specific goals.”
He also highlighted the importance of aligning AI development with Uganda’s ATM Strategy; Agriculture, Tourism, Mineral Development, and Science and Technology; while investing in the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks necessary to support innovation.
Makerere’s Role in Uganda’s AI Ecosystem
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, underscored the institution’s growing role in advancing AI research and innovation in Uganda.
He noted that the university is actively working to position Uganda as a hub for AI development, with applications ranging from healthcare to entrepreneurship.
By supporting programs like the AI Innovation Academy, Makerere continues to create opportunities for innovators to develop and scale solutions addressing local and global challenges.
AI and the Future of Work
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, spoke about the broader societal impact of artificial intelligence.
She acknowledged that technological revolutions often reshape the labor market.
“In every revolution there will be job losses,” she said, “but revolutions also create jobs at another tier.”
She encouraged innovators and policymakers to focus on high-value opportunities created by AI, rather than solely on disruption.
Musenero also stressed that Uganda must move beyond simply consuming AI technologies and instead position itself as a creator of advantage within the global AI ecosystem.
With investments already being made in infrastructure, platforms, models, and knowledge, she argued that the key challenge moving forward will be developing enough talent to fully leverage these resources.
Looking Ahead
As the AI Innovation Demo Day 2026 concluded, one message resonated across speakers, innovators, and ecosystem partners alike: Uganda’s AI ecosystem is steadily evolving from research and experimentation to commercialization and impact.
Through initiatives like the AI Innovation Academy, supported by institutions such as Makerere University, Pathogen Economy Labs, and the STI Secretariat, the country is laying the groundwork for a future where AI-driven startups contribute meaningfully to economic growth, public services, and healthcare innovation. And if the ideas presented during the Demo Day are any indication, Uganda’s next generation of AI entrepreneurs is already taking shape.
