NKENNE
Maine has not only supported our development — it has embraced our vision and positioned us to scale globally from right here in the state.
– Michael Odokara-Okigbo, CEO, ESM Global Productions / NKENNE
Turning a Cultural Gap Into a Scalable Solution
ESM Global, a Maine-based IT consultancy, saw a gap that few others had attempted to solve: the shortage of accurate, culturally grounded African language learning and translation tools. Out of this need, the company created NKENNE e NKENNEAi, a language-learning platform and a first-of-its-kind tonally sensitive African language AI translation API.
Their goal was ambitious but deeply personal. “NKENNE helps African families maintain intergenerational communication and cultural pride, while NKENNEAi supports clarity, trust, and dignity when navigating essential services such as healthcare and education.”
For many users, these tools create meaningful connections: to language, to family, and to the systems they rely on.
Early Challenges on the Path to Growth
Before partnering with MTI, ESM Global was juggling the typical early-stage pressures that come with initial product development. At the same time, they were working in a space where there was no roadmap — developing a platform for languages that are often overlooked in the tech world.
“We lacked the early capital and commercialization support required to build our language learning app, NKENNE. We needed guidance securing non-dilutive funding, validating enterprise market fit, and building a product roadmap capable of scaling beyond consultancy-based revenue.”
Beyond funding, they were also wrestling with how to design infrastructure capable of supporting both Maine organizations and a rapidly expanding global user base.
Recent Progress and Momentum
With MTI’s support, ESM Global built and launched the first NKENNE app, a milestone that opened the door to rapid global adoption.
“This foundational step enabled us to scale NKENNE to 380,000+ global users and 7,000+ monthly paying customers, earning Apple App of the Day and Google #WeArePlay recognition.”
Their AI translation product, NKENNEAi, also gained traction. Federal validation through NSF SBIR Phase I and Phase II accelerated commercialization and positioned the technology for deployment in schools, hospitals, and government services.
Grants in
Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3
MTI (TAP)
Technical Assistance Program
MTI
consulting
380,000+
global users
7,000+
paid subscribers
2
app store features (Apple and Google)
Today, ESM Global has expanded its consultancy capacity, strengthened its Maine operations, and secured equity investment — all while maintaining its mission-driven approach to AI innovation.
MTI’s Role in ESM Global’s Trajectory
ESM Global credits MTI’s involvement as a turning point. “MTI consulting was instrumental in helping us secure NSF SBIR Phase I (2023) and NSF SBIR Phase II (2024–2026) awards… This progress reflects MTI’s direct role in helping us evolve from consulting projects into scalable consumer-facing AI infrastructure.”
The company also worked closely with MTI’s SBIR Readiness consultants: “They each played a central role in guiding us through the federal application and evaluation process… Their expertise… was integral to our success.”
Looking Ahead
ESM Global’s long-term vision is bold: “We aim to continue providing accessible, high-quality IT solutions that help organizations across Maine innovate without financial barriers. In addition, we intend for our service offerings, including our newest offering, NKENNEAi, to become the worldwide standard for African language learning and translation technology.”
As the company continues to expand both its consultancy, language and AI products, it remains rooted in Maine’s innovation ecosystem. “Maine will continue to serve as our commercialization, policy, and AI ecosystem hub: a launchpad for inclusive technology that prioritizes cultural representation and strong economic success..”
