Nateq is an innovative Arabic-language speech assistive application designed to support children with developmental disabilities or speech disorders in expressing themselves confidently and independently.
Reem Ali Hasan Alfranji
Habaybna company for digital content and mobile applications, Palestine
Winner of:
Mada Innovation Award 2023
Supported Innovations:
Unlike many mainstream speech tools that overlook linguistic and cultural context, Nateq was created specifically for Arab children—featuring local foods, familiar places, and daily scenarios they encounter. This thoughtful localization bridges a significant gap in existing communication tools for children with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, or apraxia of speech.
Nateq empowers children who are non-verbal or have limited speech by providing them with an intuitive platform to express their needs, emotions, and preferences using voice-output communication and visual symbols. Whether a child wants to ask for their favorite meal like Kabsah, express a desire to visit a local playground, or simply communicate feelings, Nateq makes these interactions easy and natural. This enhances their ability to engage with family, peers, and caregivers in meaningful ways across home, school, and public settings.
One of Nateq’s standout features is its customizability. Caregivers, parents, and therapists can personalize the app by uploading relevant photos or choosing from a rich image and vocabulary library tailored to Arabic-speaking contexts. This flexibility allows the tool to reflect each child’s daily routine and environment, which supports more consistent use and facilitates faster learning of new words and phrases. Its friendly user interface, clear audio, and appealing visuals ensure that children remain engaged and comfortable using it.
Beyond communication support, Nateq also plays a transformative role in speech therapy. It offers therapists a dynamic tool to assign customized word sets or phrases, which children can practice at home with parental involvement. This helps children generalize language skills beyond therapy sessions and reinforces their progress in everyday life. It also provides parents with a clear way to support their child’s development, even if they lack professional training in speech and language strategies.
The creation of Nateq is deeply personal—born from over seven years of searching by parents who wanted a practical, affordable, and culturally relevant solution for their own two sons. After testing numerous global speech apps without success, they decided to create Nateq, a solution that is cost-effective, personalized, and scalable. By integrating AI technology, Nateq also enables the automatic generation of new content and resources, expanding its usefulness as both an educational and assistive communication tool for a wider population.
In recognition of its remarkable impact, Nateq was awarded the prestigious Mada Innovation Award in 2023 and received development funding through the Mada Innovation Program. It stands today as a vital tool for Arab families and therapists seeking to empower children with speech difficulties. More than just an app, Nateq is a voice for those who cannot speak and a bridge to inclusion, dignity, and daily connection. It is now available for download on both the App Store and Google Play, making it accessible to families, educators, and professionals across the Arab world.
Google store link
App Store link
Website: https://join.habaybna.net/nateq