AI-Powered Indigenous Plants Knowledge Platform

Goethe-Institut Nigeria is a cultural institution based in Lagos, working at the intersection of art, culture, and knowledge exchange. As part of our ongoing commitment to the preservation and celebration of local ecological heritage, we recently commissioned a comprehensive research project into indigenous plants of Lagos.

This research represents a significant body of knowledge documenting plant species, their traditional uses, cultural significance, and ecological roles within Lagos communities. The time has come to bring this knowledge to life in a format that is accessible, engaging, and future-facing.

• Make indigenous plant research data publicly accessible through a user-friendly digital interface
• Leverage AI capabilities to create intelligent, conversational, or generative interactions with the research content
• Serve diverse users: the general public, artists and creatives, as well as schools and educational institutions
• Reflect Lagos's cultural and ecological identity in the design and experience of the platform
• Build a scalable, maintainable product that Goethe-Institut Nigeria can manage post-launch

Core Platform Features (Required)

• AI-powered search and exploration of indigenous plant data (e.g. natural language queries, recommendations)
• Plant profiles: name (English, Yoruba and/or other Nigerian languages, scientific), uses, cultural significance, ecological notes, imagery
• Mobile-responsive web interface accessible without download or installation
• Multilingual support: English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, & German
• Content management system (CMS) for Goethe-Institut Nigeria staff to update the database
• User-friendly onboarding for non-technical audiences

Enhanced Features (Desirable)

• AI image recognition: allow users to photograph a plant and identify it via the platform
• Creative / generative tools: AI-assisted features for artists and educators to derive creative outputs from plant data
• Downloadable educational materials auto-generated from plant profiles for classroom use
• Community contribution module: allow researchers or community members to submit new information for review
• Integration with mapping tools to show plant distribution across Lagos

Technical Requirements

• Cloud-hosted infrastructure with clear documentation and handover
• Data security and privacy compliance
• Accessible design (WCAG 2.1 AA standards)
• API documentation if applicable
• Provision of source code and full IP transfer to Goethe-Institut Nigeria upon project completion

Proposals will be assessed by a review panel at Goethe-Institut Nigeria. The following weighted criteria will be used:
 

Applicants must submit the following in one pdf:

• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) outlining your interest and suitability
• Technical proposal describing your approach, methodology, and technology stack (maximum 3 pages)
• Portfolio of 2–3 relevant prior projects, with links or screenshots
• Team structure: names, roles, and brief CVs of key personnel
• Detailed budget breakdown aligned to deliverables
• Timeline: proposed project schedule from kick-off to handover
• References: at least two client references from comparable projects

• Goethe-Institut Nigeria reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions without obligation to provide reasons.
• This tender does not constitute a contract or commitment to procure.
• All submitted materials become confidential property of the process; they will not be returned.
• The successful vendor will be required to sign a service agreement including intellectual property transfer clauses prior to commencement.
• Vendors may direct written clarification questions to chinyeresandra.obieze@goethe.de before the Q&A deadline. Responses will be shared with all registered applicants at the Q&A Deadline.