In an era where school safety has become paramount, James Saul, a student at Friendswood High School, is making waves with his approach to protecting classrooms during active shooter incidents.
As part of the Mustang Incubator program—a platform that encourages high school students to cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit—Saul has launched Saul Innovations, a venture aimed at improving classroom security.
The young inventor’s creation is a door barricade system, designed to be simple and effective in an emergency. “The idea is to create an affordable solution for locking down the classroom that can be deployed quickly,” Saul stated.
His invention has been piloted in five classrooms within the high school, receiving positive feedback from both staff and students. He also worked with the Friendswood Police Department to put his barricade to the test.
Saul’s journey from concept to prototype was facilitated by the Mustang Incubator program, which allows students to explore business ideas and bring them to fruition. The program has been a resource for young entrepreneurs at Friendswood High School since 2019, providing them with the tools and guidance needed to launch successful businesses.
Collaborating with a mentor, Kyle Winne, and a manufacturing facility, Non-Ferrous Extrusions, Saul is currently developing the next version of his door barricade system. This partnership aims to refine the product and prepare it for larger-scale production. With the prototype’s success in the pilot program, Saul is optimistic about its potential impact on school safety nationwide.
Looking ahead, Saul is scheduled to present his final product to the Mustang Incubator Shark Tank on May 1st. This event is a critical opportunity for him to secure funding for a full-scale product launch.
