The startup on a mission to tackle the underage vaping epidemic

Vape Guardian is a UK-based startup that has created vape detection technology to tackle the student vaping epidemic. While schools are struggling to crack down on underage vaping, and recent NHS data showing that one in four students aged 11-15 have tried vaping, Vape Guardian’s real-time detection hardware offers a non-intrusive, automated alternative to unpopular measures like bathroom patrols or closing facilities.

Founded by husband and wife team, Simon Hassett and Jean Hassett, Vape Guardian’s smart sensors, which resemble traditional smoke alarms, utilise an advanced 10-point formula to accurately detect exhaled vaping and THC. The system sends immediate alerts to staff via SMS, email, or a dedicated app, and the technology has been designed to integrate directly with existing fire and security systems.

Currently installed in over 400 schools in the UK and Ireland, Vape Guardian has achieved significant market traction and is the named brand on all new Department of Education tenders requiring vape detection.

However, Vape Guardian is not only looking at schools. Its mission is to help schools, businesses, and public spaces maintain clean air and protect individuals from the risks associated with vaping.

Simon Hassett, CEO and Founder, Vape Guardian, said: “At Vape Guardian, we’re dedicated to creating safer, healthier environments through advanced vape detection technology. Our mission is simple: to help schools, businesses, and public spaces maintain clean air and protect individuals from the risks associated with vaping.”

The technology

Vape Guardian’s smart sensors offer a comprehensive suite of features including advanced air quality monitoring, environmental threat detection, and seamless integrations with existing fire and security systems.

The sensors can detect vaping, THC, and spice in the air, with fast and accurate alerts with detailed reporting. The technology takes air quality readings every second, and measures thousands of data points every minute to detect an ever-growing list of activities. On top of detecting vaping, THC, and spice, the sensors also give alerts for over occupancy in an area and loud noise.

The 10-point detection algorithm analyses air quality every second. Each reading is cross-referenced against known chemical and particulate changes caused by vaping, to ensure highly accurate detection.

Vape Guardian is starting to incorporate machine learning and AI to help the system become more effective. It is hoping these technologies will be more effective at identifying trend alerts, offering tailored advice in-app, ensuring accuracy of results, and more.

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Funding

In February 2026, Vape Guardian secured a £350,000 Seed funding round through the Angel Investment Network. The investment will accelerate the company’s mission to eliminate vaping in prohibited spaces and establish its proprietary technology as the global industry standard.

The new funds will be used to:

• Establish market leadership: aiming to have presence in 1,000 schools by the end of 2025
• International expansion: scaling operations across the UK, US, Australia, and global English International Schools
• Sector diversification: launching specialised systems for the aviation, workplace, and leisure sectors

Hassett commented: “This funding from Angel Investment Network is a pivotal step in our 2026 strategy. It supports us to scale our presence in education and also bring our proven technology to the aerospace and workplace markets, where vape-induced fire alarms and health risks are becoming major operational headaches.”

Xavier Ballester, Head of Brokerage, Angel Investment Network added: “Vape Guardian is addressing a rapidly growing global health problem with a groundbreaking, proprietary solution. Our investors recognised the strength of their genuine traction. They have already generated significant revenues, impressive for a three year old business. They really stand out for the twin strengths of market-leading hardware with a holistic approach to education and policy.”