Ara Bagdasarian, a visionary entrepreneur and pioneer in the field of emergency communication technology, has devoted his career to creating innovative solutions that protect lives and ensure safety during critical situations. With an unwavering commitment to progress and a keen eye for groundbreaking ideas, Ara has consistently pushed the boundaries of the industry, enabling institutions to respond effectively to emergencies.
Co-founding Omnilert with Nick Gustavsson in 2004, Ara passionately pursued his vision of leveraging new technology to protect people. Today, he leads industry and strategic alliance initiatives for Omnilert, continuously pushing the envelope on adoption and capabilities. Omnilert’s AI-powered Gun Detect software, for example, offers reliable, 24×7 monitoring for security cameras, providing a widely deployable early gun detection solution.
Before Omnilert, Ara founded XNETIX in 1996, a company that built web-based applications for numerous internet startup companies and helped grow the web event pioneer Communicast to acquisition. As a trailblazer in the emergency notification market for higher education and campus environments, Ara remains dedicated to advancing technology, knowledge, and customer enablement through critical communication advancements.
As a member of the National Advisory Council for the VTV Family Outreach Foundation, Ara offers invaluable advice, ideas, and guidance to ensure the success of VTV and its initiatives on a national level. His expertise in emergency notification systems and campus safety has made him a sought-after guest on national media outlets.
Ara is also an advocate for entrepreneurship education, serving on the advisory board for the new Academies of Loudoun STEM magnet school and founding the Lemonhead Council. Through this initiative, business leaders offer guidance and support to future entrepreneurs in peer advisory sessions. Ara even testified before the United States Congress on the roles that government and entrepreneurs play in fostering thriving communities through technological innovation and entrepreneurial development.
In addition to his work with Omnilert, Ara founded ZeroNow. This organization aims to accelerate the pace and scale of technology innovation, ideas, and investment in school safety, with the ultimate goal of driving real change in the present moment.
Ara Bagdasarian’s unwavering dedication to improving emergency communication technology and his commitment to fostering safe learning environments have made him an influential figure in the industry. His leadership and innovative spirit continue to inspire those who share his passion for protecting lives and ensuring safety during critical situations.
