The Kurdistan Foundation officially launched the Kurdish Text-to-Speech System (KTTS) in Akre on May 13, 2026 as part of the third phase of its Innovation for Hope project, marking a significant milestone in advancing digital accessibility and linguistic inclusion for Kurdish speakers.
KTTS is the first Kurdish Text-to-Speech application available on both iOS and Android platforms. Designed to convert Kurdish text into natural-sounding speech, the application aims to improve access to digital content for visually impaired individuals while strengthening the presence of the Kurdish language in the digital sphere.
The initiative was developed to address barriers faced by visually impaired users by providing accessible technology that enables greater independence in education, communication, and daily life. Beyond accessibility, the project seeks to promote digital inclusion, expand access to Kurdish-language resources, and encourage the integration of innovative technologies into learning and community engagement.
The KTTS application was developed under the Innovation for Hope project, launched by the Kurdistan Foundation on October 25, 2025, under the supervision of H.E. Areen Barzani. The project focuses on creating sustainable social impact through innovation, accessibility, and technology-driven solutions. According to the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, nearly 10,000 visually impaired individuals could benefit from the initiative.
The launch event brought together government representatives, trainers, beneficiaries, community members, and technology advocates. The program featured an exhibition highlighting the role of innovation in supporting people with disabilities and preserving the Kurdish language.
The launch of KTTS reflects the Kurdistan Foundation’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, education, cultural preservation, and innovation.
