In Norfolk, Virginia, last year, Kayla Austin, a 19-year-old student at Howard University, pitched and took home $25,000 at Pharrell Williams’ Mighty Dream Forum and Black Ambition. Her “My Gun’s Been Relocated” patent-pending technology gives gun owners a continuous watch and alerts them if their weapon has been moved. The concept was among many that were chosen as the winner at the November 2016 Mighty Dream Forum.
After taking part in a youth program, hearing a family member’s account, and watching the news about gun violence in Chicago, the idea first came to me when I was 12 years old. She spent many restless nights considering how she could use technology to give parents greater gun safety so they could safeguard their kids.
Austin has facilitated and participated in many events supporting gun safety education, laws, and practices. Her intense community activism has granted her recognition from the State of Illinois and Congress. As a result, she was excited to share her invention with the Mighty Dream Forum three months ago. This network provides access and opportunity to Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, “I’m still trying to process it all,” said Austin, a film and digital media major in her sophomore year at Howard University. “To receive support from my favorite artist is a dream come true.”
Kayla was also selected to participate in one of 10 open booth spots at CES, the most influential tech event in the world. It took place in Las Vegas in January 2023 proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovation. She has been named Teen Vogue’s 21 Under 21 in 2022 as Youth You Need to Know highlighting her work as a youth gun safety advocate.
Though winning $25,000 and the amazing accolades, an additional $20,000 in resources, advertising, and ASW credits, she still needs $75,000 to manufacture, complete the software application, and launch her invention successfully. Therefore, Austin has started a GoFundMe campaign to help her reach her goal of eliminating severe trauma within communities across the country. Donors will be able to donate on different levels to help make history with the first technology-driven gun safety product that will save generations of lives.