— A San Antonio-based technology company, Wytec International Inc., is developing innovative gunshot detection technology that has the potential to significantly enhance school districts’ preparedness in the event of campus shootings. Recognized for its proficiency in constructing 5G wireless networks, Wytec is now focusing on incorporating artificial intelligence software into a network of sensors designed to accurately identify the source of gunfire and other emergencies that may arise on school premises, allowing for prompt notifications to school officials.
Founded in 2011 by William “Bill” Gray, the initial objective was to establish robust in-building cellular networks specifically for educational institutions. However, the tragic events of the May 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, which claimed the lives of 19 fourth-graders and two teachers, prompted a shift in focus toward developing technology that directly addresses the threat of gun violence on campuses. “Now there’s a big focus on gunshot detection on campuses,” Gray mentioned, emphasizing the urgent need for actionable safety solutions in educational environments.
Since the Uvalde tragedy, Wytec has filed for five provisional patents pertaining to its AI-driven software and detection methodologies. The company is gearing up for a pilot program aimed at testing its groundbreaking system in select Texas schools within the upcoming year. Several school districts, including Judson, North East, and Southside ISDs, are among the 46 Texas districts expressing interest in participating in this initiative.
Furthermore, Wytec has submitted a proposal with the North Central Texas Council of Governments, which is seeking advanced vendors capable of supplying “advanced gunshot detection solutions” for over 1,200 school districts, a deal that Gray estimates could be valued at a staggering $2.4 billion. “The smallest contracts in this process are projected to be between $50 million to $100 million and could increase significantly,” Gray stated, highlighting the financial implications of this venture. As he awaits the outcome of the selection process, anticipated in late December, he is also focusing on fortifying the company’s financial position and advancing the company’s stock from OTCQB, an over-the-counter venture trading platform, to the prestigious Nasdaq Stock Market.
Leading Wytec’s technological advancements is Robert Sanchez, the company’s chief technology officer, who brings years of defense industry experience to the role. Sanchez has a unique background in software development for military applications, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and early unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as engineering technologies to counteract improvised explosive devices used in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Wytec’s gunshot detection system is an adaptation of the technology I helped to develop to defeat IEDs throughout” conflict zones in Southwest Asia, he explained, stressing the importance of this technology in enhancing school safety.
Rather than producing its own hardware, Wytec plans to seamlessly integrate its advanced AI software with the equipment provided by other vendors. This innovative software is designed to work with a variety of sensors and cameras capable of monitoring a range of variables, including motion, temperature, light, sound, and pressure. The system operates through a secure, private wireless network, with the LPN-16 serving as a central element – a patented small cellular base station that rapidly processes data received from sensors and cameras and communicates critical information regarding ongoing incidents to school officials through a dedicated mobile application.
A demonstration of the mobile app showcased an intuitive interface that indicates the precise location of an event while providing real-time video feeds and communications. “They can quickly access live video and audio, allowing them to verify the events as they transpire,” Sanchez noted. In addition to gunfire detection, the sensors are designed to identify smoke, fire, illegal substances, and potentially hazardous chemical or biological agents – a feature enhanced by collaborative research with the University of California, San Diego, focusing on the detection of THC, the psychoactive component found in cannabis.
One of the distinguishing features of Wytec’s system compared to existing technologies on the market is its approach to law enforcement notification; rather than automatically dialing 911, the system allows for a more controlled response, aimed at reducing false positives. “Many competing technologies trigger an excessive number of false alerts,” Sanchez pointed out, underscoring the critical importance of accuracy in this context.
While the 2016 implementation of ShotSpotter technology in San Antonio aimed to combat gun violence, it was ultimately abandoned after a year due to high costs and a lack of effectiveness. The city reported that ShotSpotter notified police of gunfire in 431 instances where no other corroborative evidence was found, leading to skepticism about the technology’s reliability. In contrast, Wytec believes that empowering educators and administrators with real-time situational awareness can significantly minimize unnecessary lockdowns and first responder callouts. Through rigorous lab testing, Wytec claims to have achieved over 90 percent accuracy in identifying gunshots.
The detection system will also be capable of recognizing preprogrammed keywords to trigger alerts, allowing students to contribute by vocalizing phrases like “Code Red.” “Our system ensures that students are empowered to alert authorities in real-time,” Sanchez remarked.
Wytec has successfully secured two patents related to its communication technologies, specifically high-speed data transfer networks. In September, they filed for an additional five patents to enhance their detection systems, including a “Smart Sensor System for Threat Detection” that utilizes multiple machine learning models for identifying firearm discharges.
Publicly traded, Wytec is committed to transparency and has submitted quarterly earnings reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission since 2017. The most recent report indicated a net loss of $581,455 against $25,514 in revenue for the second quarter—the loss figure is an increase over the previous year’s loss. Gray hopes to position the company for profitability, particularly if it secures a portion of the expansive North Central Texas Council of Governments contract.
Wytec’s plans for an initial public offering on Nasdaq in February 2022 were derailed by geopolitical events, but the company subsequently opted for a public listing on the OTCQB, which serves as a middle tier for entrepreneurial companies. The OTCQB requires compliance with specific reporting standards, contrasting sharply with the less regulated “pink sheet” market associated with high-risk and potentially fraudulent schemes. Gray affirmed, “We’ve never been a pink sheet,” reiterating the company’s commitment to establishing a solid financial foundation.
Shares of Wytec have recently fluctuated around $2.50, with a closing price of $2.15 noted on Friday. The company is utilizing its current OTCQB status as a stepping stone to Nasdaq, where a minimum share price of $4 for 30 consecutive days is required for listing. Achieving Nasdaq listing is crucial, as it would unlock access to a significant $100 million financing opportunity to further develop and deploy the detection system across the nation. “Getting a contract like this with a funding group is a major milestone for us,” Gray emphasized, expressing optimism about moving to Nasdaq by year’s end.
**Interview with William “Bill” Gray, Founder & CEO of Wytec International Inc.**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Bill. Wytec International has made headlines with its innovative gunshot detection technology aimed at enhancing safety in schools. Can you elaborate on how this technology works?
**Bill Gray:** Absolutely, and thanks for having me. Our gunshot detection system employs advanced artificial intelligence embedded within a network of sensors. These sensors monitor various parameters—such as sound, motion, temperature, and light—and they work over a secure, private wireless network. When a potential gunshot is detected, it allows us to accurately pinpoint the source of the sound, which is crucial for immediate response.
**Interviewer:** The tragic events at Robb Elementary seem to have catalyzed this focus on campus safety. How has that incident influenced your company’s direction?
**Bill Gray:** The Uvalde shooting profoundly impacted our mission. Following this tragedy, we shifted our focus toward developing technology specifically aimed at preventing such incidents. The urgency for actionable safety solutions in educational environments has never been more pressing, and we feel a responsibility to create systems that can help protect students and faculty.
**Interviewer:** I understand that you have plans for a pilot program in Texas schools. What can you tell us about that?
**Bill Gray:** We’re excited about the pilot program, which will begin in the upcoming year. We’re collaborating with several school districts, including Judson, North East, and Southside ISDs, to test our system in real-world environments. The feedback from this pilot will be invaluable as we refine our technology further.
**Interviewer:** Could you discuss the scale of the project, including any financial estimates connected to it?
**Bill Gray:** Certainly. We’ve submitted a proposal to the North Central Texas Council of Governments, seeking advanced vendors for gunshot detection solutions for over 1,200 school districts. This initiative has the potential to reach a market value of around $2.4 billion, with individual contracts projected to range from $50 million to $100 million or more. It’s an ambitious endeavor, but we believe in its necessity.
**Interviewer:** On a technical level, what distinguishes Wytec’s system from existing solutions like the ShotSpotter technology previously used in San Antonio?
**Bill Gray:** Our system emphasizes accuracy and reduces false positives significantly. Many existing technologies are prone to excessive alerts without corroborative evidence, which can undermine their effectiveness and erode trust. We have achieved over 90% accuracy in identifying gunshots, and our system is designed to only alert law enforcement when there is a confirmed incident. This way, we reduce unnecessary panic and improve situational awareness for educators.
**Interviewer:** Robert Sanchez, your Chief Technology Officer, has a background in military applications. How does his experience influence the development of your technology?
**Bill Gray:** Robert’s experience in developing technologies for military applications, such as countering IEDs, is invaluable. He brings a disciplined approach to security and technology deployment, ensuring that our solutions are robust, reliable, and effective in real-world scenarios. His background allows us to leverage tactical insights, which are crucial when creating systems designed to protect lives.
**Interviewer:** what reassurance can you offer parents and school officials about the effectiveness of your system?
**Bill Gray:** We’re committed to providing a solution that not only detects incidents but empowers educators and law enforcement with timely, relevant information to act decisively. By integrating real-time video and audio verification with alerts, we can enhance the overall safety of our schools. Our goal is to create an environment where individuals feel secure and prepared, knowing that they have dependable technology safeguarding their campuses.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Bill. It’s clear that Wytec is stepping up to make a significant impact on school safety.
**Bill Gray:** Thank you for having me. We’re dedicated to this mission and are hopeful for the future of our schools.
