Introduction
Both portable and economical, Zeptive’s vape and air quality monitoring systems are used for detection and deterrence by thousands of schools, businesses, hotels and public venues across the United States and abroad. Zeptive’s state-of-the-art technology aims to enable customers to take proactive measures to ensure a safer and healthier indoor environment for everyone.
Zeptive Background
Zeptive started research and development on the Northeastern University campus under the leadership of Co-Founder and CEO Will Hargett and Co-Founder and CTO Dr. Cindy Bistany
in June 2019 and launched its first version of the air quality prototype in September of that same year. Using the labs, facilities, meeting rooms and support from other innovators in the Venture Creation Center, Zeptive scientists worked in a cross-disciplinary way with people in the public health sector as well as with scientists and engineers who understand cutting-edge sensor design and the Internet of Things to make their product come to life. In late 2021, a Version 2.0 prototype was created and a patent was issued to Zeptive for the wireless vape/smoke detectors that allow customers to detect indoor air quality areas of concern.
With the support of the Innovation Campus in Burlington, Massachusetts (ICBM) Zeptive was able to successfully commercialize its vape/smoke detection product and graduate from the campus just three years after its launch in the air quality industry. Zeptive remains a member of the ICBM community with an office and continued involvement with the innovations happening on the campus.
The Problem
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 1-in-10 or 2.5 million teens and pre-teens use e-cigarettes or vapes despite the damaging long and short-term effects of these devices. The rate of use over the past decade has risen at an alarming rate despite interventions and regulation efforts.
Along with the growing smoking and vaping issue in schools and public arenas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor spaces are often 2-5 times higher in pollutants than outdoor spaces. With 90% of Americans’ time being spent indoors, air quality should be a health and safety priority for schools, businesses, hotels, and other organizations.
The Solution
Designing a detection and deterrence solution became the undertaking of the scientists and engineers working at the Innovation Campus Burlington. In response to the growing epidemic of vaping and e-cigarette use, Zeptive’s team created a chemical detection system that can be used for vape detection and air quality monitoring in schools, businesses, and public spaces.
The Role of ICBM
Will Hargett, CEO of Zeptive applauds the collaborative and academic campus at the Innovation Center that supported his start-up from its fledgling beginnings. Not only did Zeptive find the ICBM Campus to be conveniently located right outside of Boston, but it also offered state-of-the-art technology, affordable facilities, meeting spaces and a collaborative environment where small start-ups, large corporations, government agencies and a world-class academic campus come together as one.
The connections between organizations and the larger Northeastern community also allow for valuable intermingling of professors, scholars, scientists, researchers, business leaders and interns/co-ops from the Northeastern campus. Access to this level of talent and support is not always available but works to the advantage of all at ICBM.
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