Alcclear
Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland
Industry: Safety & Consumer Products
Founding Student Name(s): Rachel Snow
Brief Description of Solution: Alcclear is a cup designed to instantly detect date-rape drugs. Our product will already be at the venue when you arrive and deliver quick, accurate results for common date-rape drugs, allowing users to test their drinks without even thinking about the danger. Our mission is to empower individuals with proactive protection, removing the stigma around safety and ensuring peace of mind in social settings.
Funding Dollars: $4,000 in initial investment
What led you to launch this venture? I was shocked to learn how common ‘drink spiking’ remains on college campuses. That realization stuck with me and motivated me to take action. I wanted to create something that made safety effortless and stigma-free, so people could protect themselves without feeling awkward or paranoid. When I started sharing the concept with classmates and professors, the responses were overwhelmingly positive. I realized Alcclear could genuinely increase the safety of college campuses at a meaningful scale.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far with venture? Alcclear won the Pitch Dingman Competition in the Idea Track, standing out among 50+ participants and earning validation from students, business experts, and professionals. Hosted by the Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship, the experience revealed what it truly takes to get an idea off the ground, from understanding customers to building a brand with purpose and persistence.
How has your business-related major helped you further this startup venture? As a finance and marketing double major, I’ve learned to balance data-driven decision-making with strategic communication. My finance courses taught me how to model costs, forecast expenses, and develop pricing strategies that keep the product sustainable and student-accessible. At the same time, my marketing background strengthened my ability to convey value and position Alcclear in a way that resonates. Combining the two has allowed me to lead with both financial precision and strategic focus.
Which business class has been most valuable in building your startup and what was the biggest lesson you gained from it? Introduction to the Business Value Chain has been the most valuable class for building Alcclear. It helped me understand how every part of a business, from sourcing materials to marketing the final product, works together to create value. I learned how important it is to think holistically about operations and efficiency, especially when developing a physical product. That perspective has guided how I plan to design, produce, and distribute Alcclear sustainably and at scale.
What business professor made a significant contribution to your plans and why? Professor Geoffrey Milsom has played a major role in encouraging me to pursue Alcclear. After I shared my idea with him, he urged me to apply to my first pitch competition and pursue the concept more seriously as a venture. Since then, he has continued to offer mentorship and guidance, especially through my experience as a Teaching Assistant for his master’s course on project management.
What founder or entrepreneur inspired you to start your own entrepreneurial journey? How did he or she prove motivational to you? My mom, who founded and grew her own private practice, has always been my biggest inspiration. I grew up watching her tackle tough business decisions, reorganize plans on the fly, and find creative solutions late into the night – all while keeping everything running smoothly. Seeing her resilience and
drive taught me that entrepreneurship is as much about dedication and vision as it is about success. I also have to give a nod to my fellow Terp, Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour, whose journey from UMD to building a global brand embodies the kind of boldness and innovation I hope to bring to my own venture.
What is your long-term goal with your startup? The goal is scale and adoption. I’m building Alcclear to become what every student, bar, and event uses without thinking twice. When safety feels effortless, that’s when we’ve won.
How has your local startup ecosystem contributed to your venture’s development and success? The University of Maryland’s Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship has been central to Alcclear’s growth. Its workshops, mentors, and student venture programs have provided guidance, resources and feedback that shaped every stage of development. Beyond that, the student community at UMD has been incredibly supportive, offering honest feedback, creative ideas, and genuine enthusiasm for the concept.
DON’T MISS: MOST DISRUPTIVE BUSINESS SCHOOL STARTUPS OF 2025
© Copyright 2026 Poets & Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets & Quants, please submit your request HERE.
