Derek Peterson is the Founder and CEO of Soter Technologies, a rapidly growing environmental sensor and technology innovator headquartered in Ronkonkoma, New York.  

As a teen, Mr. Peterson was fascinated with computers and technology and has been developing software since high school. Today, he is a high energy and focused business leader and problem solver who leverages his knowledge and technological expertise to address complex social, business and community safety challenges.  Today, Mr. Peterson holds over 60 patents in various technologies.

Mr. Peterson is always seeking to find solutions to complex and challenging problems. He has assembled and leads a team of engineers, software developers, researchers, scientists, technology and business and communications experts to bring a suite of innovative and critical products to market. These potentially world-changing products include SymptomSense™ Medical Evaluation Gateway, which rapidly scans vital signs, including blood oxygen levels, body temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate. This first of its kind technology is played a critical role in helping the United States and the world recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Peterson and his team have also invented the world’s first vape and bullying detection and alert system for schools, FlySense. With over 50,000 devices deployed in schools around the world, this technology is making schools healthier and safer.  The company’s products and services are making an impact in communities and schools across the nation and have even been credited with saving the lives of students who were contemplating suicide.

Mr. Peterson believes that no puzzle is impossible to solve; all he needs is the time to figure them out.

A former bullying victim as a high school student, Mr. Peterson is dedicated to creating technology to address this problem in schools. As CEO of Soter Technologies, he is devoted to the practical application of technology to improve and save lives. The “Soter” name is inspired by the ancient Greek god of safety, deliverance and preservation from harm. Using advanced sensor and software technology, the company develops and delivers innovative solutions for environmental intelligence – to make the world a safer place.

Mr. Peterson’s inventions, products and software have received awards as well as national media attention. Soter’s SymptomSense has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, MSNBC, Inside Edition, Cheddar TV and many other regional and national media outlets. His FlySense vaping detection and anti-bullying sensor has also been featured in the national and local media, including ABC’s Good Morning America and NBC’s Today Show along with hundreds of other media outlets across the United States and abroad. Mr. Peterson is regularly interviewed by the media about technology, health and safety in the workplace and schools, entrepreneurship and technology. 

In 2020 Mr. Peterson won the prestigious Roy L. Clayton Technology award and was considered one of the top 50 most influential African Americans in Technology.

In 2020 Mr. Peterson won the Long Island Business News Executive Circle Award for being a Remarkable Leader.

In 2021 Mr. Peterson won his 2^nd Long Island Business News Award for Diversity in Business.

In 2022 Mr. Peterson led his company Soter Technologies to win the coveted Frost and Sullivan award for Indoor Environment and Social Management Entrepreneurial Company of the year award.

In 2023 Mr. Peterson was listed in the New York State Real Estate Journal as a 2023 Commercial Real Estate Visionary.

In 2023 Mr. Peterson received the Excellence In Innovation Award from Nassau Community College.

In 2024 Mr. Peterson won Innovator of the Year at the Black Tech Achievement Awards.

In 2024 Mr. Peterson was voted into the Bay Shore High School Hall of Fame for his technological achievements.

In 2024 Mr. Peterson won the Global Impact Award from the Black Legacy Partners.

Mr. Peterson has a proven track record in the high-tech and software sector and has held senior and key roles at IPS, Symbol Technologies (a $1.6B NYSE company), and Neohapsis (bought by Cisco). In 2003, he co-founded CBD, Inc. to apply his experience to assist emerging technologies in libraries and public schools.

Mr. Peterson is also a national thought leader and expert in the field of the Internet of Things (IOT) and currently writes for TechTarget / IOT Agenda. He regularly speaks at colleges, universities and conferences across the United States on technology subjects.

Mr. Peterson has expertise working in many industries, including the accounting profession where he developed some of the country’s first tax software and the public sector where he developed the first Public Computer Management system, monitoring user access, authentication and security in libraries and universities. His solutions have been deployed on over 100,000 desktops worldwide.

Early in his career, Mr. Peterson led the development and delivery of key security products for the gamming and aviation sectors. He also created the Engineering Test and Validation department at Symbol Technologies (Motorola/Zebra). Through the creation of T & V, he re-engineered the process on how products were developed at Symbol Technologies.

When Mr. Peterson is away from developing new technologies, software products and solutions for Soter Technologies, he enjoys spending time with his family, training for Ironman Triathlons and using his high-tech skills and knowledge to customize his high– performance automobiles. Giving back to his community and supporting young people is important to Mr. Peterson.  He is involved in several community groups and is the Treasure for the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch located in Riverhead, New York. This not-for-profit includes residential programs that provide a safe haven for at-risk young people and help them restore their lives through a holistic approach that focuses on mind, body & soul. 

Mr. Peterson earned a BS in Computer Science and Applied Math from Stony Brook University in New York in 1988. A lifelong resident of Long Island, he is committed to being a mentor and advisor for students. He is a sponsor of and has judged Stony Brook University’s “Wolfie Tank” competition. A spin off from the popular NBC reality TV series “Shark Tank,” Stony Brook University’s “Wolfie Tank” caters towards aspiring student entrepreneurs from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences who have developed innovative technologies and inventions and make business presentations to a panel of esteemed judges.