James Young
Data Scientist, Opera Singer, Inventor
CEO · New York, New York, US
About James
James Young is the founder and CEO of Touchlinker Inc. and inventor of Nene™, a haptic encoding system that delivers the full English alphabet as distinct vibrotactile patterns across four fingertips. A professionally trained dramatic tenor, data scientist, and former US Naval officer, James brings an unconventional convergence of disciplines to a problem he has been solving for thirteen years: how to transmit language through touch alone, without screens, sound, or specialized hardware. His background spans twenty years of data architecture and business intelligence in financial services and publishing, classical vocal training at the graduate level, and commissioned service as a Naval officer - a combination that informs both the precision of the Nene encoding system and the conviction that communication is a fundamental human capability worth reinventing. Touchlinker's initial target is the blind and low vision community, for whom Nene offers a wireless, portable alternative to Braille that requires no physical navigation and can be learned in minutes. The company's provisional patent was filed in March 2026.
Company
TOUCHLINKER
www.touchlinker.com
TOUCHLINKER enables language through your fingertips, offering a silent, eyes-free, and bidirectional communication method. It creates a new cognitive channel by using touch, freeing up sight and sound for other tasks. This innovation allows for discrete and accessible communication.
Company Stage
Prelaunch
Location
New York, NY, USA
Industry
Education
Skills
Inventor
Invented Nene™, a unique haptic encoding system that translates the English alphabet into distinct vibrotactile patterns.
Invention
Conceived and developed Nene™, a groundbreaking haptic encoding system for linguistic communication.
Founded company
James Young is the founder and CEO of Touchlinker Inc., a company focused on haptic encoding systems for language.
Startup
Actively involved in the startup ecosystem as a founder and CEO.
Haptic Feedback
Deep expertise in the field of haptic feedback systems.
Entrepreneurship
Leads Touchlinker Inc. from its inception as CEO, driving innovation in communication technology.
CEO
Serves as the CEO, providing executive leadership for Touchlinker Inc.
Product Development
Dedicated thirteen years to solving the problem of transmitting language through touch, resulting in the Nene™ system.
Haptic Technology
Specializes in haptic encoding, creating systems that deliver information through distinct vibrotactile patterns.
Communication Technology
Pioneers a new cognitive channel for communication using haptic feedback, freeing up sight and sound.
Product Management
As the inventor and CEO of Nene™, he oversees the creation, development, and strategic direction of the product.
Problem Solving
Dedicated over a decade to solving the fundamental challenge of transmitting language through touch without traditional sensory input.
Founder
Founded Touchlinker Inc. to develop a novel haptic communication system, demonstrating entrepreneurial drive.
Dramatic Tenor
Specialized in dramatic tenor vocal performance.
Technology Industry
Involved in developing innovative haptic communication technology.
Management
Experience as a US Naval officer and CEO demonstrates strong management and organizational skills.
Publishing Industry
Has twenty years of experience in data architecture and business intelligence within the publishing sector.
Encoding Systems
Developed Nene™, an innovative haptic encoding system for transmitting language.
Communication Systems
Driven by the conviction to reinvent fundamental human communication capabilities.
Data Architecture
Possesses twenty years of experience in data architecture, creating structured and efficient data systems.
System Design
Expert in designing precise and innovative systems like the Nene™ haptic encoding system.
Strategy
Dedicated thirteen years to solving the complex problem of language transmission through touch alone, showcasing long-term strategic vision.
Vocal Performance
Professionally trained as a dramatic tenor, demonstrating exceptional vocal talent and discipline.
Leadership
Demonstrates strong leadership as CEO of Touchlinker Inc. and through prior service as a US Naval officer.
Assistive Technology
Focuses on developing technology for the assistive technology sector, specifically for the blind and low vision community.
Accessibility Design
Designed Nene™ as an accessible and intuitive communication solution primarily for the blind and low vision community.
Financial Services Industry
Has twenty years of experience in data architecture and business intelligence within the financial services sector.
Language Technology
Focuses on reinventing communication by transmitting language through touch alone.
Technology
Operates at the intersection of various technology disciplines to create innovative communication solutions.
Business Intelligence
Leverages extensive experience in business intelligence to inform strategic decisions and product development.
Patent Filed
Successfully filed a provisional patent for the Nene™ haptic encoding system in March 2026.
Patent Holder
Filed a provisional patent for the Nene™ haptic encoding system in March 2026.
User Experience
Designed Nene™ as a wireless, portable alternative to Braille that requires no physical navigation and can be learned quickly.
Braille Alternatives
Created a novel alternative to Braille for touch-based language transmission.
Data Science
Applies a data scientist background to ensure the precision and robustness of new communication systems.
User Experience Design
Focused on creating a communication system that is highly learnable, with users able to master it in minutes.
Music
Possesses a strong background in music through extensive professional vocal training.
Financial Services
Possesses twenty years of experience in data architecture and business intelligence within the financial services industry.
Precision Engineering
Focuses on precision in the engineering aspects of the haptic encoding system.
Military Service
Served as a commissioned officer in the US Navy.
Project Management
Manages the development and deployment of the Nene™ haptic encoding system.
Military Leadership
Gained leadership experience through commissioned service as a Naval officer.
Filed Patent
Touchlinker Inc. filed a provisional patent for the Nene™ system in March 2026.
Assistive Devices
Developed an assistive device providing an alternative to Braille for the blind and low vision community.
Accessibility
Touchlinker's initial target market is the blind and low vision community, highlighting a focus on accessible design.
Startup Management
Manages Touchlinker Inc. through its pre-launch phase, focusing on product development and intellectual property strategy.
Classical Music
Completed graduate-level classical vocal training, showcasing deep knowledge and skill in classical music.
Wireless Technology
Developed Nene™ to be a wireless, portable, and screen-free alternative for communication.
Languages
Dedicated to reinventing language transmission, focusing on the English alphabet with Nene™.
Intellectual Property Management
Successfully managed the filing of a provisional patent for the Nene™ system.
Patent Law
Involved in the process of filing a provisional patent for intellectual property protection.
Intellectual Property
Involved in filing a provisional patent for the Nene™ haptic encoding system.
Publishing
Gained significant experience in data architecture and business intelligence within the publishing industry.
Defense
Served as a commissioned officer in the US Navy, contributing to defense sector operations.
Military
Served as a commissioned US Naval officer.
Target Market Identification
Successfully identified the blind and low vision community as the initial target market for Nene™ due to its unique benefits.
Education
Completed professional classical vocal training at the graduate level, demonstrating commitment to specialized learning.
Education Industry
Touchlinker operates in the education industry, providing accessible communication solutions.
Experience
job
Naval Officer
US Navy
Served as a commissioned officer in the US Navy, contributing to leadership and operational capabilities.
Completed commissioned service, demonstrating discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking in a military context.
job
Data Architect / Business Intelligence Professional
Various Organizations
Accumulated twenty years of professional experience in data architecture and business intelligence within the financial services and publishing industries.
Developed extensive expertise in designing and implementing data systems and intelligence solutions across diverse sectors.
milestone
Provisional Patent Filing for Nene™
Touchlinker Inc.
Secured intellectual property protection for the Nene™ haptic encoding system.
Successfully filed a provisional patent application for the Nene™ haptic encoding system.
education
Graduate Student, Classical Vocal Performance
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Underwent professional classical vocal training at the graduate level.
Achieved proficiency and training as a dramatic tenor.
job
Data Architecture and Business Intelligence Professional
Undisclosed Financial Services Companies
Managed and implemented data architecture and business intelligence solutions.
Contributed twenty years of expertise in data architecture and business intelligence, specifically within the demanding financial services sector, shaping data strategies and insights.
job
Data Architecture and Business Intelligence Professional
Undisclosed Publishing Companies
Managed and implemented data architecture and business intelligence solutions.
Applied twenty years of data architecture and business intelligence experience within the publishing industry, enhancing data management and analytical capabilities.
education
Graduate Student - Classical Vocal Training
Undisclosed Institution
Underwent professional classical vocal training at the graduate level, specializing as a dramatic tenor.
Achieved a high level of proficiency and professional training in classical vocal performance.
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