Spark, a New Zealand-based telecom company in the midst of a rebrand, created a truly inspiring app that sits at the nexus of purpose and next-gen technology. Kupu uses AI-powered machine learning to understand objects in photos and translate them into te reo, the language of the indigenous Māori people, in real time. Our guest, Dan Wright of Colenso BBDO, shared the inspiration behind the Kupu app, explained the tech behind it, and discussed the importance of this app, not just for the Māori people, but for all New Zealanders.

“Kupu by Spark” is an ANA ECHO Award-winner in four categories: Technology and Communications, Best Use of Mobile, Best Campaign for CSR/Social Good, and Best Use of Emerging Technologies. The ANA Awards program celebrates great marketing and innovative thinking from the industry’s leading brands. For more information on the ECHO Awards, go to echoawards.org. For more information on the ANA Awards program in general, go to ana.net/awards.