Pendoring is excited to announce the launch of the Indigenous Language Tech Challenge 2024, supported by the University of Johannesburg and IQOQO, with R30k in seed funding up for grabs.
This challenge closes on 16 October 2024 and aims to drive technological solutions to promote and preserve South Africa’s indigenous languages. It seeks to inspire developers, tech enthusiasts, and creative thinkers to explore how technology can foster the growth of indigenous languages in the digital age.
The Indigenous Language Tech Challenge offers an exciting opportunity for participants to submit ground-breaking ideas and projects that creatively integrate technology with indigenous languages. The two-week online hackathon, from 2 to 16 October, will provide a platform for participants to develop their ideas, collaborate and submit a proof of concept. Whether through apps, interactive learning platforms, or other tech-based innovations, the goal is to uplift these languages, ensuring their presence and relevance in the rapidly evolving tech world.
“At Pendoring, we believe in the power of creativity and technology to shape the future of our indigenous languages,”
says Eben Keun, General Manager of Pendoring.
“This challenge is a call to innovators across the country to apply their skills and imagination in ways that will have a lasting impact on our linguistic diversity.”
Prof Rockie Sibanda, Director: Multilingual Language Services Office at the University of Johannesburg, says:
“We are extremely proud to be part of this new initiative. At the University of Johannesburg, we recognise the critical role that linguistic diversity plays in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society. The Indigenous Language Tech Challenge exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation that preserves and promotes South Africa’s indigenous languages in the digital era.”
Why the Indigenous Language Tech Challenge?
With South Africa boasting 12 official languages, many of which are underrepresented in digital spaces, Pendoring aims to create a platform that nurtures the development of technological solutions to make these languages more accessible. The challenge will address critical issues such as:
● The creation of language-learning tools that make indigenous languages easier to learn and teach.
● The promotion of multilingualism in educational and professional settings.
● The development of platforms, apps, and tools to keep indigenous languages thriving in modern communication.
● Tackling challenges faced by indigenous language communities, ensuring their inclusion in the global digital landscape.
● Driving continuous traffic to indigenous language publications and media houses through gamification and other interactive opportunities.
Prizes and recognition
Participants stand the chance to win R30,000 in seed funding, with the top three finalists receiving the opportunity to showcase their innovations during the Pendoring Indigenous Language Imbizo on 19 November at the UJ Arts Centre. The challenge also offers finalists invaluable exposure to industry leaders and stakeholders in the tech and creative industries. The winner will be announced at the Pendoring Awards on 21 November at the UJ Arts Centre.
How to participate
The challenge is open to all innovators, developers, and tech enthusiasts passionate about indigenous languages and technology. Participants will submit their tech-driven projects that focus on indigenous language development, education, or preservation that was developed during the online hackathon from 2 to 16 October. Projects will be judged based on their innovation, impact on language preservation, and feasibility for implementation.
Find out more
For more information and to register for the challenge, visit www.pendoring.co.za/
