Mirror Review
September 22, 2025
David Monroe, 72, the San Antonio inventor and founder of the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT), died in a tragic workplace accident at Port San Antonio.
A heavy piece of equipment reportedly fell on him near a loading dock, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Monroe’s passing marks the loss of a figure who bridged invention and education.
Here are 8 Lesser-Known David Monroe Facts That Continue To Inspire
1. Pioneered the Cellphone Camera
David Monroe developed technologies that made modern cellphone cameras possible. His work in image sensors and miniaturized electronics helped transform how people capture and share photos worldwide.
2. Holder of 54+ Patents
Monroe earned more than 54 patents covering microcomputer processors, wireless networks, teleradiology, and other electronics. Each patent reflects a practical solution to a real-world technology challenge.
3. Leadership at Datapoint Corporation
At age 27, Monroe became vice president of R&D at Datapoint Corporation. He led research teams that contributed to Fortune 500-level innovations, bridging computer engineering and emerging digital communications.
4. Founder of SAMSAT
Monroe founded the San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT) to preserve technological history and provide hands-on learning experiences. He created a space where students and the public could explore innovation firsthand.
5. Creator of FoxWorks Maker Space
He launched FoxWorks at Port San Antonio, a high-tech maker space for robotics, electronics, and STEM projects. Monroe designed it to give students, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs access to advanced tools for experimentation and invention.
6. Advocate for STEM Education
Monroe designed programs, summer camps, and workshops to make science and technology accessible. He actively mentored children and young adults, helping them explore engineering, programming, and robotics in practical ways.
7. Recognized by the Tech Community
He received the San Antonio Technology Lifetime Achievement Award (2015) and the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (2017) for his contributions to innovation and education.
8. Education and Early Training
Monroe earned a degree in electrical engineering, which gave him a solid foundation in electronics and computing. He applied both formal training and practical experience to lead R&D teams and pioneer transformative technologies.
Why David Monroe’s Legacy Matters
Monroe’s career demonstrates how invention and community leadership can coexist.
His patents shaped modern technology, while SAMSAT and associated STEM programs gave thousands hands-on experience with science and innovation.
By blending invention with education, Monroe created a model for sustainable impact in both technology and society.
As Paco Felici, Port San Antonio’s chief of staff, noted, “David was a force for good who transformed countless lives…Through SAMSAT and his maker spaces, he built a vision for innovation that will last for generations.”
Bottom Line
These 8 David Monroe facts highlight a lifetime dedicated to invention, education, and innovation.
From pioneering the cellphone camera to being known as the SAMSAT founder, David Monroe, and inspiring future scientists, his work leaves a lasting mark on both technology and the community.
His legacy serves as a reminder that impactful invention is not only about creating new devices but also about inspiring people and building systems that endure.
