The grant was open to applications for funding from public, private and third sector bodies. Applicants were asked to detail how the activities set out in their applications would contribute to delivering the Welsh Language, Technology and Digital Media Action Plan objectives. The grants for 2013-14 were awarded to the following projects:
Canolfan Bedwyr – GALLU: Gwaith Adnabod Lleferydd Uwch
This project will further strengthen the current Welsh language technology infrastructure by delivering a new Speech to Text module. Canolfan Bedwyr’s Language Technologies Unit, Bangor University, will work on the next stage in the development of Welsh language speech recognition technology by crowd-sourcing a corpus of Welsh language speech. Strategically, this is a much needed resource which could facilitate the inclusion of Welsh in future developments of speech-recognition based products such as office suites and voice-activated products. The project is in cooperation with S4C.
JOMEC – StoriNi – Creating and Sharing News
Cardiff University’s School of Journalism will facilitate communities to collect, publish and gain access to digital news and information through the medium of Welsh using an app and software which will be offered free of charge in the Welsh language. These tools will allow geographical as well as interest-led communities to engage with each other online and increase the volume and consumption of the Welsh language online.
Penrhys Partnership – Technoleg Mawr mewn Dwylo Bach
Penrhys Partnership will employ an apprentice, under the guidance of a national software development consultancy, to create two new apps focussed on developing Welsh language skills for children under 7 years old. The apps will be designed to be used by Welsh-medium primary school children during their school classes as well as at home with parents who want to engage with their children through the medium of Welsh. The project will hold Rhondda Coding Club workshops for under 25s to transfer programming and coding skills. The project will increase the provision of Welsh language material available as well as providing training for young people interested in coding apps.
Aberystwyth University – Welsh Learning App Creation Software
Aberystwyth University’s Department of Computer Science will develop framework software to facilitate the creation of a number of new Welsh Language learning apps. This will enable organisations to compile material for new Welsh learning apps at low cost. The project will make it easy to develop and deliver more Welsh learning apps by sharing a basic template.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru – Ap Urdd
The Urdd will create an app (and partner website) which will allow young people to post, find and review Welsh language events and activities within their communities. The app will also encourage young people to discuss the experiences gained through the Urdd’s activities through the medium of Welsh and increase the amount of Welsh language content available online. The Welsh Government’s Technology and Digital Media action plan has set out to encourage the use of technology amongst the 11-25 age group and this app will provide a tool to popularise the use of Welsh online.
Nwdls Cyf
Nwdls Cyf will provide a web service that will collate Welsh language Twitter content in one place thus, increasing the prominence of the use of the language and its users. Twitter is increasingly becoming an important platform for discussing news, culture and society in real time. The site will highlight Welsh language trending topics, hot topics and links to Welsh language content being shared via the platform, encouraging the sharing and consumption of Welsh online.
The 2014-15 grant will open in the new year, details of the grant and how to apply will be posted on the grants to promote Welsh-language technology and digital media page.