OUR
HISTORY

​2004 - The Reut Group is founded in Israel with a mission to address societal challenges through innovative strategies, research, and leadership development.

​​​

2010 - Early conceptual frameworks emerge, focused on inclusive prosperity and addressing neglected societal needs, including those of vulnerable populations.

​​

2012 - Initiated the Cross-Lab Network (XLN), its first communal tech space. XLN becomes a hub for experimenting with collaborative, human-centered design and open-source methodologies.

​​

2013 -  The vision for TOM takes shape as part of the XLN project, emphasizing the use of frugal innovation and local manufacturing to solve neglected challenges.

​​

2014 - Early Developments: Tzfat Engagement: Reut’s work in Tzfat reveals significant unmet needs for assistive tools. Experiences here highlight the potential of 3D printing and maker methodologies to empower underserved communities.

​

• Formation of TOM: The Reut Group officially launches TOM as an initiative focused on leveraging technology and community collaboration to address these challenges.

​​

• June 2014: First Makeathon in Israel: The inaugural TOM Makeathon brings together makers (engineers, designers) and Need-Knowers (people with specific challenges) to co-create affordable, accessible prototypes. This event becomes TOM’s foundational model for fostering innovation and collaboration.

​

• November 2014: First International Event in São Paulo, Brazil: TOM expands globally with a makeathon in Brazil, showcasing its potential as an international platform.

​

2015-2016 - TOM refines its methodology into a standardized, replicable process emphasizing open-source solutions. Early partnerships, such as with the Schusterman Foundation, provide funding for events and the scaling of TOM’s makeathon model.

​

2017-2019 - TOM expands into a global movement, operating in over 30 countries and developing hundreds of solutions to neglected challenges. Partnerships with governments, universities, and communities bolster TOM’s ability to scale its impact.

​

2019 - Launch of the TOM@University Fellowship Program.

​​

2020 - Launch of a global effort to provide PPE to underserved communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

​

• Establishment of the TOM Global Innovation Challenge, celebrating its first commencement at the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

​

2021-PRESENT - TOM continues to refine its approach, focusing on inclusivity, scalability, and open-source innovation. It aims to reach its moonshot goal of impacting 250 million lives by creating radically affordable, accessible solutions to unmet needs.