Meet Jeremy Chow, founder of Tactus, a startup redefining how deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals experience music through wearable technology. After participating in both the early and growth cohorts of CIC Massachusetts’ Social Impact Program, Jeremy took home the Audience’s Choice Award and a monetary prize at CIC’s Demo Day in June. Today, Jeremy is building from CIC Cambridge while his co-founder Johann Darboven continues the momentum at CIC Tokyo, where Tactus is expanding its collaborations in Japan.
In this Q&A, Jeremy shares the inspiration behind Tactus, its growing global impact, and how CIC has supported the company’s journey.
Q: What inspired you to found Tactus?
Jeremy: The journey began during my last year at Northeastern University, where I met Professor Laurie Achin, a Deaf dancer and choreographer. She told me about her process of learning music by placing her hands on speakers to feel vibrations. Once she memorized the song, she could perform it in perfect rhythm.
I thought there had to be an easier way, so I built the first wearable device for her, something that would allow her to feel music live on her body while she danced. Her encouragement and excitement pushed me to continue working on it and eventually found Tactus.
Q: What does the name Tactus mean?
Jeremy: Tactus is a Latin word used in music. It refers to the flow, rhythm, and driving force of a piece. I thought it was a fitting name, since our device transforms music into something you can physically feel.
Q: How does the device actually work?
Jeremy: Tactus translates music into vibrations and sends them to different key locations on the user’s torso. This way, individuals can experience the rhythm and energy of music directly on their bodies, even if they cannot hear it.
Q: You’ve been involved in CIC’s Social Impact Program. How did you find out about it, and what has it meant for you?
Jeremy: I learned about the program through a friend in the startup ecosystem. She encouraged me to apply, and it turned out to be a great fit.
The biggest value has been the community. Working alongside other founders, connecting with CIC’s global network, and getting introductions to people and organizations in both Boston and Tokyo has been transformative. I also grew a lot in terms of storytelling and pitching, which are skills that are so important for any founder.
Q: How has being at CIC Cambridge helped your startup grow?
Jeremy: CIC has been a huge resource. I use the coworking spaces regularly, book the recording studio, and host meetings and events here. Beyond the physical space, it is the people. You meet someone new every day, and those casual conversations can lead to impactful opportunities.
One email introduction from CIC actually cascaded into us building key relationships with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which has been incredible.
Q: Speaking of Tokyo, we heard you’re getting involved with the Deaflympics happening there later this year. Can you tell us more?
Jeremy: Yes! Tactus will be an official partner of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics in November. We’ll be exhibiting throughout the event to showcase our technology to athletes and attendees. We’ll also host an event with Venture Café Tokyo at CIC Tokyo to highlight accessibility within the innovation ecosystem that week.
We’re looking forward to this incredible opportunity to engage with the community and share our mission on a global stage.
Q: Beyond the Deaflympics, what’s next for Tactus?
Jeremy: We’re piloting concerts in Tokyo and Hong Kong where both performers and attendees can use Tactus. Imagine a live show where deaf audience members can feel the same energy as everyone else in the crowd. That is the vision.
We’re also collaborating with a Deaf dance group who will use our devices during performances, helping them synchronize with music and each other.
Q: You’ve seen people try Tactus firsthand. What has that been like?
Jeremy: Honestly, it is hard to put into words. Watching Deaf individuals put on the device, play a song they know, and start dancing is a powerful reminder of why we are building this.
Feedback has been encouraging too. People appreciate not only the functionality but also the design. They have told us they would wear it even without the music aspect, which means we have created something both useful and beautiful.
Q: As a founder, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Jeremy: Stay curious and keep learning. I came from a tech background with little business knowledge, so every step of building Tactus has been a learning experience. Entrepreneurship is full of unknowns, sometimes scary but also exciting. If you stay open to advice and eager to grow, navigating those unknowns becomes much easier.
Q: Lastly, what does community, like the one you have found at CIC, mean to you?
Jeremy: It is everything. CIC is more than just office space. It is a community of entrepreneurs, facilitators, and people passionate about making an impact. Being part of that energy has helped us grow, connect, and keep pushing forward.
Tactus is redefining how music can be experienced, making it more inclusive, more accessible, and more powerful. We cannot wait to follow their journey at the Deaf Olympics and beyond.
Hear more about Tactus in Jeremy’s winning pitch below or visit our website to learn more about our Massachusetts Social Impact Program.
