TekStart Group Awarded TIPS Contract, Bringing AirStart Vape Detection to US Public Entities

Contract award gives schools, government agencies, and non-profits in all 50 US states a ready-to-use path to AirStart vape detection, powered by Vape Guardian

SANTA MONICA, CA, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- TekStart Group today announced that The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS), a national purchasing cooperative based in Pittsburg, Texas, awarded its AirStart business unit a contract (#260701) for Indoor Air Quality Equipment and Services. The selection makes AirStart's vape detection solutions, powered by Vape Guardian, available to TIPS members across all 50 US states through a competitively procured, ready-to-use purchasing channel. Eligible buyers include K-12 school districts, colleges and universities, cities, counties, other public entities, and qualifying non-profit organizations.

"Being a TIPS-awarded solution provider is an important validation of what AirStart delivers: real-time detection that helps staff respond quickly and keep shared spaces safe," said Howard Pakosh, CEO of TekStart Group. "Vaping is a health and safety concern for schools and public facilities of every size, and it is best addressed with real-time visibility and awareness. TIPS now makes that protection simple to purchase for organizations across the United States."

Every TIPS contract is awarded through a full, open competitive process and approved by the Region 8 ESC Board of Directors. For TIPS members, this means the procurement work is already done. AirStart's authorized provider status delivers several practical benefits:

• Qualified detection provider: Members gain access to a vetted provider of vape, nicotine, and cannabis detection solutions through a competitively awarded TIPS contract, streamlining the procurement process.
• Member pricing: TIPS members are eligible for discounted pricing compared with the published rates in the AirStart product catalog.
• Purchasing support: TIPS staff assist members with the buying process, which helps smaller and rural organizations with limited procurement teams.
• Privacy by design: AirStart detectors identify vaping and abnormal noise levels without recording audio or video and without identifying individuals.
• Full-service support: TekStart provides installation and monitoring services.

AirStart's authorized provider term runs through September 30, 2029, with an option for a one-year renewal.

TIPS members across the United States who are interested in AirStart vape detection solutions can learn more, request a demonstration, ask about member pricing, or begin the purchasing process at https://tekstart.com/airstart/. Purchases can be made under TIPS Contract 260701, Indoor Air Quality Equipment and Services. TekStart Group's TIPS vendor profile is available on the TIPS website. Organizations that are not yet TIPS members can find membership information at www.tips-usa.com.

About TIPS
The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) is a national purchasing cooperative that began in 2002 as a regional program of the Region 8 Education Service Center in Pittsburg, Texas. Today, TIPS serves more than 15,000 members in the education, government, and nonprofit sectors across the United States. TIPS provides public entities and qualifying non-profits with access to competitively procured contracts, saving members the time and resources required to conduct their own solicitations.

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.

Gordon Benzie
TekStart Group
+1 310-584-4488