Project-N-E-K-O/N.E.K.O

What is it?

Key features

• 01Real-time voice conversation and text chat with visual understanding.
• 02Five-part memory system that keeps context across sessions.
• 03Proactive conversation starters based on screen content and trending topics.
• 04Live2D, VRM, MMD, PNGTuber, and desktop-pet avatar forms.
• 05Agent tools for operating a browser and computer and calling plugins.
• 06Plugin SDK and Steam Workshop for sharing characters and voice packs.

Use cases

• Keeping a desktop companion that chats while you work or play games.
• Experimenting with a self-hosted AI character that remembers past conversations.
• Building or sharing custom characters with their own avatars and voices.
• Letting an AI assistant handle browser or computer tasks while staying conversational.

Quick start

1. 1

   Download the one-click package for Windows, macOS or Linux and run N.E.K.O.exe, N.E.K.O.app or n.e.k.o

2. 2

   Or deploy with Docker Compose on Linux after creating the docker-compose.yml file from the README

   docker-compose up -d

Things to know

• !The Docker deployment is documented for Linux only.
• !Running from source requires Python 3.11 specifically, plus uv and Node.js 20.19 or newer.
• !The git history is about 390 MB, so a partial clone is recommended.
• !Mobile iOS and Android versions are still in closed beta.

Topics

FAQ

What is N.E.K.O?

Open-source AI catgirl companion with real-time voice, proactive chat, five-part long-term memory, and agent tools for browser and computer tasks. N.E.K.O. (Project N.E.K.O., the "catgirl project") is an AI companion platform that runs a persistent character on your desktop. It supports live voice conversation through the Realtime API and text chat through standard ChatCompletion endpoints, with real-time visual understanding of your screen. The character can start conversations on its own, sharing news, music, and media that match your interests.

Is N.E.K.O free to use? What license does it have?

N.E.K.O is open source under the Apache-2.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.

Is N.E.K.O still maintained?

Actively maintained. The last commit to N.E.K.O was on Oct 22, 2026.

What can I use N.E.K.O for?

Keeping a desktop companion that chats while you work or play games. Experimenting with a self-hosted AI character that remembers past conversations. Building or sharing custom characters with their own avatars and voices. Letting an AI assistant handle browser or computer tasks while staying conversational.

How do I install N.E.K.O?

Download the one-click package for Windows, macOS or Linux and run N.E.K.O.exe, N.E.K.O.app or n.e.k.o Or deploy with Docker Compose on Linux after creating the docker-compose.yml file from the README: docker-compose up -d

Where can I get N.E.K.O?

The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/Project-N-E-K-O/N.E.K.O