In our fast-paced world, precious family memories and generational stories can easily fade away. But one startup, Oria, is harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to ensure these invaluable oral histories are preserved for years to come. Founded by college student Josiah Faison, Oria is transforming how families and communities archive their legacies.
From Personal Loss to Technological Solution
Faison, originally a finance student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), was inspired to create Oria after experiencing a profound personal loss. His grandmother passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic, and travel restrictions prevented him from returning home before her death. This experience left him feeling that crucial family memories and generational knowledge were lost forever.
This realization sparked a shift in his career path, leading him to develop technology focused on archiving personal stories. The idea solidified when he sought ways to document his grandmother’s life experiences after her terminal cancer diagnosis. This personal journey became the foundation for Oria.
How Oria Works
Oria’s platform allows users to collect and organize oral histories through various formats, including video, audio, and written submissions. The startup officially launched its mobile app in 2024 and a web-based platform in 2025. Faison received $10,000 in seed funding through RIT’s Simone Center Student Accelerator Program to help grow the company.
The platform is designed for families, nonprofits, and institutions looking to archive personal narratives and community histories. Oria’s software utilizes AI tools to transcribe interviews, identify key themes, and uncover connections between different stories, making the process of creating digital oral history campaigns efficient and insightful.
Joining the Digital Legacy Movement
Oria is part of a growing wave of tech companies focused on digital memory preservation and legacy storytelling, alongside platforms like Kinnect and HereAfter AI. The startup is already making a global impact, with its platform used in over 40 countries. Oria has also secured further financial support from angel investors and startup initiatives backed by JPMorgan Chase.
Have you ever struggled to preserve family stories? What are your thoughts on using AI for oral history preservation? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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