Tecla is an assistive device that gives people with upper-body mobility impairments the ability to fully access smart devices and technology –– at a fraction of the cost of traditional assistive devices. We operate within the Biomedical Zone, hospital-based health technology incubator located in one of Canada's leading medical centres: St. Michael's Hospital. Tecla is designed and assembled in Toronto, Canada by Komodo OpenLab Inc.
Komodo OpenLab is a certified B Corporation. This means that we use the power of business to solve a social problem. Certified B Corporations meet higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corporations are vital because they inspire all businesses to not only be the best in the world but to be the best for the world.
Komodo OpenLab founders, Mauricio Meza and Jorge Silva, have over 20 years of combined experience in the assistive technology field.
Mauricio Meza, CEO, runs the day-to-day business operations of Tecla. Before Tecla, he worked for over ten years as an assistive tech leader and consultant at Canada’s largest rehabilitation hospital, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. In 2010, he completed his MBA at Ryerson University before working with Jorge to build the first Tecla product. Read more about Mauricio's story.
Jorge Silva, CTO, is known as the resident "hacker in chief." He's responsible for the product's development – both hardware and software. Jorge has been an inclusive technology researcher for over 12 years at the University of Toronto, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital and OCAD University.
Kristina manages the company marketing, communications and assists Mauricio with business development. Kristina is also the voice behind our blog, so make sure to subscribe below to catch up on the latest and greatest in assistive tech and accessibility!
Kyle assembles and ships Tecla orders. Besides health technology, Kyle loves the Toronto Maple Leafs and starts every day with his favourite smoothie from Booster Juice.
Our philosophy at Tecla is to provide access to all. This means we believe that everyone deserves to be included, independent and empowered. This is our drive. Day in and day out.
To learn more about our approach to the development of inclusive technologies, watch the TEDx Talk by Jorge Silva, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Komodo OpenLab.
"Disability is not an illness, but the product of bad design and discrimination."