Driving the Future: Funding Programme for Language Technology Innovators in Cape Verde
The global digital landscape is changing at an impressive rate, and Cape Verde, with its rich cultural heritage and growing connectivity, has a unique opportunity to stand out on the language technology innovation scene. Exploring and developing solutions that enhance and potentialise the Cape Verdean language (Kriolu) and the languages spoken in the Cape Verdean diaspora is not only a matter of cultural preservation, but also a crucial driver for the economic and social development of the archipelago. It is in this spirit that we present our funding project, with the aim of supporting innovators and boosting the development of cutting-edge language technologies.
This funding programme, designed specifically for Cape Verde, aims to identify, support and accelerate the development of innovative projects in the following areas: machine translation (Portuguese-Kriolu, English-Kriolu, etc.), speech recognition and synthesis in Kriolu, natural language processing (NLP) applied to Kriolu, the development of technology-based language learning tools, and the creation of digital content in Kriolu. The focus is not just on technical development, but also on creating solutions with a social and economic impact that can improve communication, access to information and business development in Cape Verde and its diaspora.
We believe that investment in language technologies is fundamental to Cape Verde's sustainable growth. The language barrier can be a significant obstacle to accessing information, education and business opportunities. High quality translation and interpretation tools, for example, facilitate communication with foreign investors, promote tourism and increase the capacity to export goods and services. In addition, the development of technologies that enable the creation of digital content in Kriolu strengthens cultural identity, promotes cultural tourism and ensures that the next generations have access to their language and culture in an increasingly digitised world.
The programme will be structured in several phases. The first phase will consist of the presentation and evaluation of proposals, with a panel of experts selecting the most promising projects. The selection criteria will include innovation, feasibility, social and economic impact, and the capacity of the project team. The selected projects will receive initial funding to develop a prototype and test its viability. The second phase will involve accompanying and mentoring the projects, with access to experts in technology, business and marketing, who will guide the innovators through the process. Finally, the projects that demonstrate the greatest potential will receive additional funding to scale their solutions and achieve a significant impact.
We firmly believe that Cape Verde has vast and under-utilised talent. The funding programme will not only provide the necessary financial resources, but will also create an ecosystem of support and collaboration, allowing local innovators to connect, learn and grow together. Our goal is to create a virtuous circle, in which investment in language technology generates new opportunities, attracts investment and improves the quality of life in Cape Verde. Our project is more than a funding programme; it is an investment in the future of Cape Verde, a future where the Kriolu language and other spoken languages are valued and become powerful tools for progress.
Deadline for submitting applications: 15 October 2025
See the regulations and submit your application here: https://imminent.translated.com/apply-for-your-grants
