SafePro Tech named semifinalist in WI Gov’s BPC

Mass shootings have become a tragic reality in the United States. Law enforcement veterans Paul Eckert and Robert Austin have spent decades working in law enforcement and training people for these emergencies. But they found that training alone wasn’t enough to protect their community.

In 2018, they launched SafePro Technologies to develop a technology-driven solution designed to reduce fatalities in mass shootings. The Whitewater-based company created Soteria, an emergency evacuation system that integrates shot detection technology with proprietary ceiling-mounted laser projection to guide building occupants to safety. The system, which holds four U.S. patents, is designed to respond to active shooter incidents as well as fires, hazardous materials, and other emergency situations.

SafePro Technologies is one of 52 semifinalists in the 2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Competition, presented by the Wisconsin Technology Council.

For Eckert and Austin, participating in the competition is about raising awareness.

“Active shooter events are increasing, and we need to talk about real solutions,” Austin said. “Whether or not we win, just getting people to recognize the problem and consider our solution is a win.”

Advancements in technology and market readiness

Since its inception, SafePro has continuously refined its product. The company recently secured its own shot detection technology, eliminating reliance on third-party systems.

“We’ve added gunshot detection technology to our suite of security services,” Austin said. “Now, we’re an all-in-one unit.”

SafePro also has a patent pending for a redesigned laser projection unit, which enables the system to project emergency guidance on floors and walls.

“Our first patent allowed us to project images on the floor and side walls during a dangerous event,” Eckert explained. “Now, this new design lets us manipulate where those images appear, making the system even more effective in guiding people away from danger.”

Soteria projects green arrows to direct individuals toward safe exits, while red Xs indicate hazardous areas. If evacuating is not an option, the system signals when to shelter in place.

“Indecision costs lives,” Austin said. “This device makes decisions instantly and intuitively for the individual. That’s what makes it so special.”

Seeking funding and pilot programs

With the technology finalized, SafePro is now focused on expanding pilot programs and securing funding. A local high school has already tested the system, and the company is actively engaging with schools and other facilities to roll out more pilots.

However, budget constraints remain a challenge.

“We hear the same thing from schools time and again: ‘The budget is what the budget is,’” Austin said. “We need legislative support to prioritize school safety funding. These are low-frequency events, but they’re high-risk. What’s more important than saving lives?”

To make the system more accessible, SafePro is advocating for state and federal grants that would help schools implement the technology.

Looking ahead

Beyond active shooter situations, Soteria’s adaptability makes it valuable for a range of emergency scenarios.

“This system isn’t just for school shootings—it can guide people to safety during fires, chemical spills, even tornadoes,” Eckert said. “It thinks for people in real time, especially those who may not be familiar with a building’s layout.”

With a market-ready product and a clear mission, SafePro Technologies is now working to gain broader visibility and adoption.

“No one’s doing what we’re doing,” Eckert said. “We have something so unique and important here, and we’re just so excited to get it out there.”

To learn more about SafePro Technologies, connect with the company here.