#StartupsEverywhere: Boston, Mass.

#StartupsEverywhere: Jeremy Chow, Founder, Tactus
This profile is part of #StartupsEverywhere, an ongoing series highlighting startup leaders in ecosystems across the country. This interview has been edited for length, content, and clarity.

The Universal Language of Music

Tactus, a Boston-based startup, is on a mission to make music truly inclusive and accessible. Their Bluetooth-integrated jackets and vests translate audio into precise tactile vibrations, allowing the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to experience live musical performances. We sat down with Jeremy Chow, CEO and Founder of Tactus, to discuss their work and the various challenges they encounter, such as the barriers to federal research grants and the ways tariffs are raising manufacturing costs.

Tell us about your background. What led you to Tactus?

The inspiration came from a deaf American Sign Language (ASL) professor, who I met while attending Northeastern University. Outside of the classroom, she is a dancer and choreographer, and I was fascinated by her process of combining physical vibrations with the visual context of lyrics and music videos, learning to internalize songs and dance to the rhythm entirely from memory.

Together, we spent six months co-developing a tool so she could feel music live on her body while dancing. She loved it and asked to keep it, and encouraged me to continue building it so that more people in the deaf community could benefit from it. Since then, we’ve worked to create “headphones” for the deaf. Our earlier prototypes were bulkier and harness-like, with users telling us they’d never wear them outside since they didn't want people to stare. So we listened and pivoted, turning the tech into sleeker and more discreet clothing (as a vest or long sleeved option) that connects via Bluetooth to your phone, with no additional hardware required.

What is the work you are doing at Tactus?

Initially we had a direct-to-consumer focus, but we have found a massive opportunity to amplify our impact by partnering with organizations. For example, we work with deaf schools that use the garments for music classes, which is incredible to see. Lately, we’ve shifted toward live event venues and event organizers. By selling to venues, we provide a low-cost, low-commitment way for deaf individuals to experience the tech at a show and then choose to take one home if they love it. I recently saw a deaf individual bring her hearing best friend to a concert, so they could enjoy the show together for the first time. That is the mission: bridging these two communities through the universal language of music. 

How does the technology work?

We use a proprietary algorithm optimized for translating music into vibrations which provide a tactile experience through the garment. The garment contains embedded electronics that handle Bluetooth connectivity and processing and is powered by a small, portable battery. It is integrated with transducers which vibrate directly against the body. This allows us to vary amplitude and frequency to provide a much more accurate representation of the music than a standard vibration motor. We include a wide frequency range so that the user can feel the different aspects of the song.

What was your experience navigating capital access and federal grants?

It’s a tough environment for hardware-heavy, social-impact startups. We aren't investor-funded yet. Many VCs see the social good but worry that the accessibility market is too small, limiting how far those conversations can go. 

We’ve received some grants, which is a great way to fund social impact work. However the landscape has become much more challenging recently. We’ve run into timing issues with federal funding, having applied for SBIR funding through the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation. Although we were asked to resubmit, that request coincided with a period when the Department was facing massive cuts.

Are there any specific policies at the local or federal level that impact Tactus?

Tariffs are a major concern. If we want this to be accessible, we must produce it at an affordable price point. Manufacturing this in the U.S. without the price jumping from $400 to $2,000 is difficult. We are currently looking into tariff exemptions under the Nairobi Protocol (a treaty that eliminates customs duties on products specifically designed for individuals with disabilities) to see if we can be exempt from certain tariffs since our product is an accessibility tool.

We’re also always thinking about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Most venues meet ADA requirements through ASL interpreting, which is great but limited. We want to work with policymakers to show that tactile technology should be part of the conversation when venues think about accessible solutions.

What are your goals for Tactus moving forward?

I want Tactus to be the brand associated with bringing music to the deaf community. Currently I’m focused on scaling through partnerships with venues and festivals. The best part of the job is going to a concert, setting up the tech, and then just watching the audience enjoy the music. Seeing that impact and the good vibes at a live show is exactly why we do this.

All of the information in this profile was accurate at the date and time of publication.

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