USF grad develops jewelry sensors to detect spiked drinks

TAMPA, Fla. — A University of South Florida graduate, athlete and CEO and co-founder of Elora, is celebrating more than receiving her MBA this weekend. Addison Bounds is putting that degree to use to help keep women safe.

“We are developing miniaturized chemical sensors, and we’re embedding them into aesthetic pieces of jewelry to prevent drink spiking,” said Bounds.

Sensors are being placed into bracelets and pendants. Bounds, who played beach volleyball for USF, says the motivation behind the mission is personal.

“I had a friend, and when we were in high school, we were at a party and she was having a great time and unfortunately, her drink was spiked and she ended up unconscious in a closet where her rapist had assaulted her,” said Bounds, who is working to raise awareness.

Kiara Robichaud is Elora’s chief technology officer and co-founder. “She handles all of our technology, all of our research and development,” said Bounds.

Bounds explained how it works. “She used her straw to put a drop of the beverage on there, then we’re able to instantly detect if there’s something in this drink,” said Bounds. “Then, the demonstration of that notification component within the app.”

Resource website, Alcohol.org reports that 50% of women have had their food or drinks spiked by a stranger.

USF Health toxicologist Dr. Marie Bourgeois, Ph.D., MPH, says drink spiking often goes unreported and said that symptoms can mimic intoxication.

“If it’s something like ketamine, you might have hallucinations, but for the most part, it’s going to be a loss of motor control. Later on, you’ll have gaps in your memory, anterograde amnesia,” she said.

Elora’s mission is to make sure those date-rape drugs don’t get consumed.

“This is a product made by women for women to protect women,” said Bounds. “And we’re really passionate about what we’re doing, and we understand the consumer because we are the consumer.”

Consumers and entrepreneurs say women won’t have to sacrifice style for safety.

Elora launches in January 2028 and is already looking at expanding.