About Us
Our Mission
To improve lives in less developed communities worldwide by driving the dissemination of high impact, cost-effective, and sustainable innovations aimed at solving major problems of poverty and climate change.
We Believe In
- Low-cost technologies can significantly improve lives and also contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Well-informed end-users are better at identifying appropriate solutions, leading to more effective outcomes than top-down decision-making
- Lasting change comes from adopting practical, scalable technologies that help communities deal with the challenges posed by climate change and address the root causes of poverty.


Our Approach
Helping people help themselves with practical tech-based solutions
Understanding the specific challenges and circumstances faced by each community is crucial in identifying the right solutions. By conducting comprehensive needs assessments and partnering with local stakeholders, we ensure that the technologies introduced are practical, environmentally beneficial and truly desired by those who need them most.
What We Do
- Solutions Toolbox: Curating a broad range of technologies tailored to varied developmental challenges.
- Project Accelerator: Helping communities implement technology solutions that maximize the impact of development initiatives.
- Farthest Reach Consulting: Offering expert advice to organizations looking to implement technologies effectively.
Our Story
From MIT to the World
Founded in 2009 by two MIT Sloan School of Management alumni, TEL has grown from a vision into a global catalyst for change. By bridging the gap between innovative technologies and urgent needs, we’ve facilitated countless partnerships between investors, local entrepreneurs, and community organizations.

The TEL Team

Karen von Bismarck

David Romero
The TEL Advisory Board

Brennan Lake

Matthew James Hnatio
