Ascent Integrated Tech’s Paul Couston Included on Forbes’ 30 Under 30: Chicago List
“Chicago is a tough city… it makes entrepreneurs with grit,” wrote Paul Couston, co-founder of Ascent Integrated Tech on LinkedIn.
He continued, “Today, I’m honored that Ascent Integrated Tech has joined other incredible ventures listed on the Forbes Under 30 Local list in Chicago.”
After his first startup Optivolt Labs, Couston cofounded Ascent Integrated Tech at Research Park with business partner Alex Gorsuch.
Together they created a software program for first responders, including firefighters, special forces, and SWAT teams. The platform optimizes 3D tracking technology, placed inside helmets and bracelets, to provide commanders with critical information, such as their team’s location. These tracking sensors also provide details on the team members’ health and environment, such as CO2 levels, humidity, and airborne metal oxide.
Ascent Integrated Tech’s innovations are helping teams be best prepared when urgent calls come in and assist in making life-saving choices in real time.
Couston acknowledged Research Park’s role in his personal entrepreneurial success, as well as the company’s.
He explained, “Ascent’s journey began at EnterpriseWorks, from the confines of a humble 100 sq feet office on the second floor… The journey from that tiny space to where we stand today would have been inconceivable without the invaluable resources and the expansive network that EnterpriseWorks offered.”
The co-founder further detailed his Research Park experience.
“The community is truly unparalleled — supportive, innovative, and immensely helpful. But more important than the space are the people and the network on campus. The people working at Enterpriseworks, the TEC, Gies, and Grainger made Ascent’s early goals possible,” – Paul Couston, Co-founder of Ascent Integrated Tech
While Couston was admittedly shocked by the Forbes article, fellow co-founder Alex Goursch was not surprised that Couston made the list.