Our
Mission
Drunk driving strips thousands of families across the world of their loved ones every year. The shocking part? These accidents are 100% preventable. Noticing this problem in our local community, the team of SoberRide is determined to stop this problem in its roots. We are working tirelessly on this product, not for money, but to save lives. Conducting research, winning at international conferences, and lobbying for acts like the HALT Act, are just some of the steps taken throughout this arduous journey.
Our Timeline
On Nov 14, 2021, an 18-year-old died from a teenage drunk driving accident a mile away from Krithin's and Swayam's houses. Raising concerns within the local community, both of them were moved to learn more and solve the problem
The Accident
Nov 2021
catalyst of our journey
On Nov 14, 2021, 18-year-old Jonathan Pooley died from a teenage drunk driving accident a mile away from Krithin's and Swayam's houses. Raising concerns within the local community, both of them were moved to learn more and solve the problem
The team aligned their passions and various skills for the single mission to end drunk driving. To expedite the process of making the novel solution a reality, they designed and presented an initial prototype and financial plan for the startup at TYE 2023, earning 2nd Place within the state. However, they were reinvigorated and keen to improve.
Ideation & Corroboration
Sept 2022 - Mar 2023
period of initial R&D
Hover over the titles to learn more!
From Nov 2021 to Sept 2022, the duo looked into drunk driving prevention methods, researching current statistics on drunk driving. In Sept of 2022, the team was formed with the aim of developing a novel solution and competing in the 2023 TYE Competition to get mentorship and earn funding.
Beginnings
2022
how we began efforts
From Nov 2021 to Sept 2022, the duo looked into drunk driving prevention methods, researching current statistics on drunk driving. In Sept of 2022, the team was formed with the aim of developing a novel solution and competing in the 2023 TYE Competition to win funding.
R&D and Exposure
period of validation and success
Nov 2023 - Jan 2025
​As part of our market research, we conducted many surveys and talked to many professionals. We have designed an insurance promotional plan to encourage sobriety. The team also bolstered its attempt in the 2024 TYE Competition, reaching Globals and winning 2nd in Silicon Valley. Moreover, Shaurya and Swayam co-authored a paper on face and ocular data-based intoxication detection machine learning models, which was presented at MIT.
After building a robust PoC prototype that successfully incorporates the three main features, the team displayed SoberRide at CES 2025, becoming the first-ever high-schooler-led startup to present there.