Kennesaw State Senior Bridges Safety Gap for Law Enforcement with Tech Startup
Friday, December 22nd, 2023
Born and raised in Clayton County, St. Louis has been an engineer since the age of seven when he began learning robotics. However, it was his brother's dream of becoming a police officer that inspired the Patrol Buddy Go. St. Louis set out to develop a solution that would change law enforcement technology and help people like his brother do their jobs better.
“Traditional dash cameras are meant for the vehicle and can only capture so much when it comes to very important situations for officers,” St. Louis said. “Officers need more visibility and access to controls outside of the car.”
The result is a 360-degree high-resolution camera designed to sit atop an officer’s patrol car and record everything the vehicle encounters. What sets Patrol Buddy Go apart from similar technology is its intuitive user interface, which allows officers to seamlessly control the camera from within their patrol cars, significantly improving their safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, when an officer leaves the vehicle, the camera automatically tracks their movements, providing an unobstructed view of their surroundings and adding an extra layer of security.
Generalized Robotics has signed an agreement with the Clayton County Police Department and plans to begin installing cameras on five vehicles in January as part of a pilot program. The company has worked closely on the project with Lieutenant Joshua Carr, who has provided “ground-zero input and access to officers who are out in the field,” St. Louis said.
St. Louis recently demonstrated Patrol Buddy Go to members of the Atlanta business community at an entrepreneurship showcase held at Fifth Third Stadium. Hosted by Kennesaw State’s Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, the event highlighted 13 student- and alumni-launched ventures supported by the Center. Some of the other featured businesses included virtual reality video game developers, designers of an artificial intelligence veterinarian’s assistant, and a student who has created a wearable exoskeleton for athletes.
Each of the ventures has received startup funding through the RDSEIC’s Mookerji Innovation Fund, established by entrepreneurs Sid and Sophie Mookerji to foster students and alumni tech ventures. Through the fund, the RDSEIC has helped start 23 businesses since 2020. The Center also provides owners with invaluable mentorship tailored to their specific needs.
St. Louis received a $20,000 grant in October 2022 from the fund. With newfound financial support, he assembled a team of 22 individuals, including classmates and friends, each compensated with a share in the business. Among them is St. Louis’ sister, Tatianna St. Louis, who serves as chief marketing officer, reinforcing the familial ties that have contributed to his company's success.
Dennis Loubiere, an academic associate for the Michael A. Leven School of Management, Entrepreneurship, and Hospitality, works with the RDSEIC as St. Louis’s mentor. The two engage in regular one-on-one meetings, discussing vital topics and solutions relevant to the business. It was Loubiere’s idea for St. Louis to pitch Patrol Buddy Go to the CCPD.
"The classroom teaches theory, but these types of mentorships provide students with one-on-one coaching specific to them and their business,” said Loubiere. “Jordan is a very diligent businessperson. He puts in a lot of time and effort, and he's able to apply what he learns very effectively."
St. Louis said Loubiere’s guidance has been critical to Generalized Robotics’ success.
"I was able to think about things from an engineering perspective very well," said St. Louis. “Dennis has taught me to think with more of a business mind, helping me to figure out what people want and need and how I can make that happen."
St. Louis hopes his transformation from student to successful entrepreneur is a call to all aspiring student business owners at KSU to follow their dreams and to reach out to resources like the RDSEIC for mentorship and support.
"I am thankful that I went to KSU,” he said. “They have given me the majority of my support. I also have to thank my amazing team; they work really hard, and there's no way I would be able to do this without them."