Tikkun Olam Makers
TOM:Alberta

Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) is an international not-for-profit movement that utilizes modern design and digital manufacturing to address neglected needs.
Tikkun Olam is Hebrew for “repairing the world,” and that is our focus in TOM. Our goal is to design and create empowering solutions for challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities and limitations.
One billion people, or 15 percent of the world’s population, experience some form of disability*.
Technology development that addresses the needs of these people are often neglected due to market demographics. Some particular challenges may be faced by only a handful of people in the world – but that does not invalidate the need for these solutions.
*World Bank 2017
Engineers, designers, and people living with disabilities complete design and prototyping on an assistive technology challenge. Come celebrate the city’s spirit of innovation by joining one of our initiatives.
All TOM:Alberta initiatives bring together “makers” and “need-knowers” to address neglected challenges with affordable technology solutions.
NEED-KNOWERS
People living with disability or someone close (like a family member, caregiver, or friend) who has intimate knowledge of the everyday challenge(s) posed. This knowledge is critical in designing a functional and personalized solution. Need-knowers become part of the team; they are not a customer.
MAKERS
People who make things. Designers, engineers, industry professionals, artists, bio-hackers, and tinkerers. Makers like to DIY, work with textiles, make robots, do metal/woodworking, and much more. Makers don’t need any particular background or education, just curiosity and a hands-on mindset.
TOM:Alberta Initiatives
The annual community-driven innovation event for assistive technology.
15 Challenges. 75 Innovators. 72 Hours.
Projects
31Make-a-thons
3Makers
145Dev Hours
259Help one, Help many
Solving real-life challenges with affordable technologies
Open Source Solutions
Global database collects solutions to all challenges to help others internationally
Full Inclusion
The Need-Knower is a part of the team, not a client
ORGANIZING TEAM
For specific inquiries please feel free to reach out to our organizing team directly.