TekStart Group Named a Supply Ontario Vendor of Record for Vape Detection, Expanding School Access to Privacy-Focused Safety Technology

Ontario school boards can now acquire Vape Guardian vape detectors, installation, and maintenance through a pre-qualified provincial purchasing arrangement, with funding support available to help offset costs.

BURLINGTON, ON, Oct. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- TekStart Group, through its AirStart business unit, today announced its selection as a Vendor of Record (VOR) by Supply Ontario, the Province of Ontario's centralized supply chain agency, for the provision of vape detection solutions. Under this arrangement, Ontario's provincially funded school boards and school authorities can acquire AirStart detection solutions, powered by Vape Guardian devices, along with installation, monitoring, and related accessories, through a streamlined and pre-qualified procurement process.

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The arrangement builds upon Ontario's revised Provincial Code of Conduct (PPM 128), which took effect on September 1, 2024, and requires school boards to address the possession and use of vapes on school property. The arrangement is available to 77 provincially funded school entities, which together operate more than 4,800 elementary and secondary schools.

Provincial funding lowers the cost of getting started
School boards that purchase vape detection through the Supply Ontario arrangement are eligible for funding assistance to help pay for devices, installation, and ongoing monitoring, easing the financial burden of a school-wide rollout.

"Vaping in schools is a student health issue first and a supervision challenge second. Staff can't be in every washroom, and they shouldn't have to be," said Howard Pakosh, CEO and President, TekStart. "Being named a Vendor of Record by Supply Ontario means school boards anywhere in the province can deploy proven, privacy-respecting vape detection quickly, through a purchasing route they already trust. As an Ontario company, we're proud to help Ontario schools create healthier spaces for their students."

What Ontario schools can access through the VOR
Through the Supply Ontario arrangement, eligible organizations can obtain:

• Real-time vape detection for nicotine and THC aerosol in washrooms, change rooms and other camera-free areas where vaping is most common.
• Privacy by design. Detectors contain no cameras, do not record or store audio, do not listen for keywords, and cannot identify individuals. Sound monitoring is limited to decibel-level changes that can signal a disturbance.
• Instant, configurable alerts by text, email, or app, routed to the right administrators by location, time of day, or severity.
• Tamper resistance. Protective cages, signs, and alerts, discouraging vandalism.

How to order
School boards and other eligible organizations can purchase AirStart through Supply Ontario's Vape Detection VOR arrangement (tender #19788). Visit tekstart.com/airstart to learn more and see the product catalog. Questions? Contact TekStart at https://tekstart.com/contact/ or call toll-free at 1 [phone].

About TekStart Group
Founded in 1998, TekStart Group is a privately held Canadian firm dedicated to turning breakthrough technology concepts into market-ready successes. TekStart provides investment, commercialization, and executive support, partnering with innovators to fund, build, and scale advanced technologies. With deep expertise and a trusted partner network across North America and Europe, TekStart helps clients reduce risk, accelerate time-to-market, and unlock lasting value. Learn more at tekstart.com.

SOURCE TekStart Group

Media contacts: TekStart: Gordon Benzie, VP Marketing, TekStart Group, [email protected]