Drink spiking is an issue that has long caused concern, especially in social settings like bars, clubs and festivals, especially among women and teenage girls.
Whether the motive is theft, assault or simply malicious intent, the consequences can be devastating and leave victims with lasting trauma.
For years, awareness campaigns and venue safety measures have sought to address the problem, attempting to help potential victims avoid dangerous situations. However, the problem doesn’t lie with those who are taken advantage of – it problem lies with the perpetrators.
While the responsibility to deal with criminals and individuals with nefarious intentions lies with police and authorities, other actors have begun to step in, attempting to provide alternative methods for being proactive rather than merely reactive.
Combatting Social Issues with Tech
Startups around the world are taking bold steps to tackle this concerning trend, developing innovative products and tools that can detect and even present drink spiking before anyone gets hurt.
From smart straws and test kits that can identify harmful substances to discreet devices that alert users to tampering, these companies are harnessing the potential of technology to create solutions that are both practical and accessible.
Thanks to these startups, the conversation around drink spiking as a growing problem is spreading and more people are trying to find solutions while attempting to increase awareness too.
Top Startups Developing Drink Spiking Detection Tech
While the drink spiking phenomenon is incredibly concerning, the number of companies popping up around the world trying to combat the issue certainly helps to restore faith in the intentions of the vast majority of people.
Here are some of the top, most innovative startups developing solutions to combat drink spiking by means of modern technology.
Knope
Knope is a forward-thinking company committed to combating drink spiking through innovative detection technologies.
Their flagship product is a discreet, portable testing device that aims to empower individuals to ensure that their drinks are safe wherever and whenever they need to. Among their top products are napkins and drink covers that allow for immediate and easy testing for rape drugs by placing a few drops of the drink on a designated part of the napkin or the cover.
Knope also collaborates with advocacy groups and venues to promote awareness and education about drink spiking, aiming to create safer environments. With a focus on user-friendly design and technological advancement, the company is driving positive change, fostering inclusivity and championing safety in nightlife and beyond.
Drink Safe Technologies
Drink Safe Technologies is a leading innovator in drink spiking prevention, offering advanced solutions that are designed to detect harmful substances in beverages.
Their product range includes single-use drink testing kits as well as reusable detection devices. They employ chemical indicators that react to common drugs like GHB and ketamine.
These tools are compact, discreet and easy to use and carry with you, providing instant results to potentially save individuals from unsafe situations.
By combining cutting-edge science with practical application, Drink Safe Technologies is committed to enhancing personal safety and raising awareness through collaborations with venues, universities and advocacy groups.
Undercover Colors
Undercover Colors specialises in drink spiking prevention. Its top product is the SipChip, a portable, coin-sized test that detects common date rape drugs such as GHB and ketamine in a matter of seconds. Designed for ease of use and discretion, the SipChip helps users test their drinks quickly and confidently, making it ideal at bars, clubs and festivals.
Committed to personal safety and awareness, Undercover Colors merges cutting-edge science with practical solutions to combat drink spiking in social settings and ultimately keeping people safe.
Drinkaware
Drinkaware is a UK-based charity dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm and protecting individuals from criminal intent.
While primarily focused on alcohol consumption, Drinkaware also provides educational resources and campaigns addressing drink spiking. Their initiatives include awareness campaigns, safety tips and partnerships with venues to ensure a safer drinking environment.
Through their efforts, Drinkaware empowers individuals to make informed choices about their safety, both in terms of alcohol consumption and protection against drink spiking.
Drink Savvy
Drink Savvy is the developer of innovative drink spiking prevention solutions, including a smart straw and drink coaster that detects common date rape drugs. Their products are designed to change colour when exposed to these substances, offering a discreet and instant way to test drinks no matter where you are.
Founded by Michael Abramson after a personal encounter with Rohypnol, Drink Savvy’s mission is to increase safety and awareness in social settings, empowering individuals to protect themselves and promote safer environments in bars, clubs and other public spaces.
Smart Straws
Founded by a group of students, Smart Straws is a drink-spiking prevention company. They designed and now produce straws with test strips that turn navy blue when they detect common date-rate drugs like Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine.
The company was founded as a result of the students’ desire to reduce the incidents of drink spiking that they had become exposed to on their college campus. The idea was to produce a discreet, accessible solution that people can use to protect themselves while out socialising.
pd.id
Founded in Toronto, Canada, pd.id is a company based on an intention to create innovative solutions to prevent drink spiking and date rape drugging. The company was launched by David Wilson in 2013 and it started its journey by producing a user-friendly device to detect harmful substances.
The device itself resembles a USB stick, and it sends alerts via a linked mobile application when it detects harmful chemicals, giving users the opportunity to refrain from consuming the affected drink.
Phuza Strips
Phuza Strips is a South African startup that was founded by a group of four women committed to combating drink spiking. These founders, who share a passion for safety and awareness, are also parents determined to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
The company’s primary product is the DrugLAB Instant Drug Detection Test Kit, designed to identify common spiking substances such as GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol. Compact and easy to use, these strips offer instant detection for safer social experiences.
