Shawn_Estelle Jr.
Shawn Estelle Jr.
Business Collaboration
KnoNap
Quick Facts
KnoNap is a discreet, portable cocktail napkin designed to detect the presence of certain drugs.
By placing a few drops of a drink on the napkin, users can check for potential drugging through a color change.
Designed to be gender-inclusive and seamlessly used in any social setting, KnoNap combines practicality with personal safety.
Drug-facilitated assault is a global issue that can impact anyone, whether traveling abroad, attending a local event, or socializing on campus.
KnoNap
About the Nonprofit
KnoNap was founded after Danya, its creator, experienced drink spiking and assault while studying abroad in Spain during the summer of 2016. The incident marked the first time she became aware of the widespread issue, making it deeply personal.
Motivated by a lack of accessible tools to detect drugging, Danya was driven to take action. KnoNap was created as a response to this gap in safety resources.
The initiative aims to raise awareness, empower individuals, and provide practical solutions to combat drink spiking, helping people feel safer in social settings through proactive and discreet detection tools.
KnoNap
Monetization Strategies
KnoNap generates value by offering discreet, consumer-friendly products designed to detect and prevent drink spiking. Their flagship product, Knope, is a fast, reliable test that identifies 12 drugs from the Benzodiazepine and Ketamine classes upon drink saturation.
KnoNap Napkins, currently in development, function like ordinary napkins but include detection zones on each corner that show a visible color change when drugs are present. Knope Drink Covers are reusable, gender-inclusive barriers made from soft plastic that stretch over cups to reduce tampering risk.
These products support personal safety while providing scalable, practical solutions for drug detection and prevention.
KnoNap
AI Opportunities
KnoNap explores AI integration to enhance the accuracy and functionality of its drug detection tools while maintaining brand integrity and trust. AI-powered color analysis can improve the reliability of colorimetric tests, such as identifying GHB through precise color change measurement.
Smart drink covers with environmental sensors, analyzed by AI, could detect tampering based on changes in drink properties and trigger alerts to trusted contacts or authorities. Integration with safety apps may also enable location sharing.
As KnoNap addresses a highly sensitive issue, thoughtful AI use with strong human oversight ensures messaging remains authentic, consistent, and aligned with its mission.
My Emerging Technology Presentation
During the AI & Emerging Technology Internship, I worked with Dr. James Giordano, Chief of Georgetown University’s Neuroethics Program, to learn about the emergence of artificial intelligence and the global implications.
Throughout this week, I participated in in-depth discussions and advanced lectures by industry-leading professionals about cutting-edge developments and applications of artificial intelligence. I collaborated with my team to identify practical AI-driven solutions for critical issues faced by underserved communities.
At the conclusion of the week, we presented our findings to a panel of judges, earning a microgrant to support the implementation of our proposal.
My Emerging Technology Proposal
Our research addressed critical questions and implications related to artificial intelligence and its practical applications. Throughout the program, we worked closely with KnoNap to gain a clear understanding of their objectives. These collaborative meetings offered valuable insights into key areas in need of optimization.
The most pressing issue facing KnoNap is a lack of presence on social media, or anywhere other than news outlets. This leads to an inability to spread awareness and educate, which poses both operational and strategic risks that hinder overall efficiency and growth.
To tackle this issue, we developed a comprehensive AI adoption proposal, including a detailed SWOT analysis of KnoNap’s current landscape. Our team proposed an AI social media manager that would help Danya, our business partner, find top trends and tags, generate video ideas, and run analytics on the data that comes out of the program. The constant online presence, with a more targeted approach, will save time and resources while generating an interested audience of consumers.
Internship Highlights
During my internship, I participated in hands-on AI labs that were structured to replicate real-world scenarios, allowing us to apply advanced AI tools and techniques to solve complex problems. I gained experience developing AI-driven solutions that allowed me to translate theoretical knowledge into practical outcomes.
Through this immersive environment, I began to develop technical proficiency and problem-solving capabilities. Each lab session emphasized collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability in a fast-paced setting. This experience not only deepened my understanding of artificial intelligence and reinforced my commitment to pursue this career path.
I had the opportunity to explore industries that are pioneering the use of AI, such as finance, marketing, healthcare, and cybersecurity. I gained valuable insight into how AI is revolutionizing data analysis, customization and personalization, medical outcomes, and security. These experiences allowed me to see how AI is not only enhancing existing processes, but also creating new possibilities in various fields.
I was also able to hear directly from companies at the cutting edge of innovation in these industries, learning how they use AI to tackle real-world challenges. Whether exploring the future of fintech or discovering breakthroughs in medical AI, these experiences provided a clearer understanding of the diverse career paths available. They also gave me a deeper appreciation of how emerging technologies are reshaping industries globally and how I can contribute to these exciting developments in my future career.
During my internship, I gained valuable insight into the world of AI consultation through lectures and discussions with Dr. Dan Spar of Deloitte. His expertise provided a comprehensive understanding of how artificial intelligence can be applied across industries to solve complex business challenges.
Dr. Spar walked us through the consulting process, from identifying client needs to designing AI-driven solutions that improve efficiency, decision-making, and long-term strategy. We explored real-world case studies where AI was implemented in fields such as operations, marketing, and cybersecurity, allowing us to see the direct impact of consultation on organizational success.
Through these sessions, I not only deepened my knowledge of AI’s practical applications but also learned how consultants bridge the gap between technical capabilities and client goals. This experience strengthened my ability to think critically about technology in a professional context and sparked my interest in pursuing AI-driven problem-solving in future endeavors.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to apply my training in AI consulting by working directly with small business partners in Washington, D.C. Meeting with KnoNap allowed me to gain a clear understanding of their goals, challenges, and long-term vision, giving me the chance to explore how artificial intelligence could provide meaningful solutions.
Working alongside their leadership, I developed tailored recommendations on how AI tools could streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer engagement. This included analyzing areas where automation could reduce inefficiencies, identifying opportunities for predictive analytics, and suggesting ways to incorporate AI-driven marketing strategies.
Through this hands-on consulting experience, I not only strengthened my ability to assess client needs and translate them into actionable strategies but also learned the importance of aligning AI solutions with each business’s unique context. By applying these skills, I was able to deliver practical recommendations that could support KnoNap in reaching its goals and preparing for long-term success in an increasingly data-driven economy.