Queens Tech Corner: Barry Katz of Operant Systems
It’s Queens Tech Corner time! The Queens Tech Corner is a regular segment on our Queens Chamber social media channels where we shine the spotlight on tech entrepreneurs doing exciting things right here in Queens.
This month’s featured tech entrepreneur is Barry Katz, Founder and Owner of Operant Systems, a technology company that services the special needs population in developing their learning skills. To learn more, go to https://www.operantsystems.com
Can you tell us about your company and how you got your start?
We have been servicing professionals, agencies and schools that service children and adults with autism with our Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) platform.
One area of dysfunction for those with autism is eye contact behavior. Eye contact is fundamental to learning and demonstrates that someone is paying attention, so we began exploring how we could address this problem. We came up with a prototype using technology. We worked with NYU's Tandon Engineering department and published our research with them. Once we began getting a handle on vision, our next project began which was teaching children between ages 3-8 to wear their eyeglasses. We gained patents on both technologies. We are now concluding our prototype of the iSpecs Visual Training Device, which teaches young children to wear their eye glasses using mobile technology and will be looking to conduct field tests for the device.
What is your latest project and what excites you about it?
I have been a consultant in technology for Fortune 100 companies. When my grandson was diagnosed with autism I started focusing my attention to find learning solutions for disadvantaged children.
Why are you excited about the future of tech in Queens?
My latest project deals with the broad market of children who resist wearing eyeglasses. For example, children from underprivileged homes, children with 'lazy eyes,' and children with special needs. 60% of young children don't wear their eye glasses. This affects their educational and cognitive development. The total market value is about $680 billion.
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