No Regrets: 2024 AwardX winner Abbie Goddard on her startup Spikey

This is an article based on a podcast interview with Abbie Goddard on the Fueling Tomorrow's Entrepreneurship podcast. Listen to the full episode here.

At just 16 years old, Abbie Goddard is already an entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. As the winner of the 2024 AwardX competition, she’s taken the startup world by storm with Spikey, a drink spike detection keychain that’s changing the way we think about safety with a youthful perspective. In a competition that saw hundreds of incredible applicants, Abbie’s energy, passion, and clear vision set her apart as the well-deserved winner. But her journey to success wasn’t just about winning a competition—it was about following her heart, learning from every challenge, and embracing her youthful energy to bring her idea to life.

From Idea to Award-Winning Product: How Spikey Came to Life

Abbie’s journey with Spikey began with a simple but powerful idea: creating a product that could help protect people from drink spiking, a growing concern, particularly in social settings. At just 15, Abbie started working on Spikey, a keychain that detects drink tampering—something that could make a real difference in people’s lives.

“I wanted to create something practical and impactful,” Abbie shares. “Drink spiking is a serious issue, and I wanted to be part of the solution. I thought, if I can help just one person feel safer, then it’s all worth it.”

Her first steps were bold and ambitious. She purchased test strips from a pharmaceutical company and ran product tests with family and friends. Soon after, Abbie launched a website for Spikey—albeit a “crazy” one at first—but even with limited resources, she was able to gain traction and build a following. "We didn’t have the perfect website or product, but the idea resonated with people. I was just 15, and it was incredible to see people believe in what we were doing,” she says, reflecting on the early days.

Pivoting to Perfection: The Road to AwardX Success

In the fast-moving world of startups, flexibility is key. Abbie’s original concept for Spikey was a straw that could detect drink spiking directly in your beverage. However, after receiving feedback from professors and experts, she realized the idea wasn’t feasible or safe. Instead of giving up, Abbie embraced the pivot, eventually redesigning Spikey into the keychain we know today.

“That was a tough realization, but it was also a huge learning moment. I understood that every product goes through iterations, and you can’t be afraid to change things up,” Abbie explains. “Success is about more than just the product—it’s about finding the right solutions and continuously improving.”

Like Abbie notes, the AwardX application was easy for her to complete since she had already done the validation required to answer the straightforward application questions like “What problem are you solving with the company?” or “Who are your competitors, and what do you understand about your idea that they don’t?”.

The Power of Passion and Purpose

The AwardX competition was fierce, with hundreds of applicants all vying for the top prize. But it was Abbie’s authenticity and commitment to her mission that made her the clear winner. “What really stood out about Abbie was her deep connection to the problem she was solving and the way she brought that passion into every aspect of her pitch,” says Rachel, host of the Fueling Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs podcast, who interviewed Abbie after the win. “Abbie didn’t just talk about a product—she shared her personal journey and the genuine impact she wanted to make, and that made her pitch so powerful.”

Abbie’s commitment to building a brand that is not just about business but about making a real difference made her stand out to the AwardX judges. “Winning AwardX is amazing, but for me, it’s all about staying true to my mission,” Abbie says. “I don’t want Spikey to be just another product. I want it to be something that actually helps people and makes the world a safer place.”

No Regrets: Embracing Every Opportunity

Abbie’s approach to entrepreneurship is all about taking risks, learning from failure, and embracing the opportunities that come her way. Reflecting on her rapid growth over the past two years, she shares her motto: no regrets.

“I always say yes to new opportunities, even if they make me nervous,” she explains. “I don’t want to be that person who looks back and wishes I had done something differently. I want to take chances and make the most of every moment.”

This fearlessness and determination to make an impact has been the driving force behind Abbie’s success. Whether creating a life-changing product or competing in high-stakes competitions like AwardX, Abbie has made it clear that her focus isn’t on the accolades or recognition—it’s on the purpose behind her work.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Spikey and Abbie

Winning the AwardX competition is just the beginning for Abbie and Spikey, with the five thousand dollar cash prize invaluable in supporting Spikey’s legal fees. With a growing brand, a dedicated team, and a clear vision for the future, Abbie is setting her sights on even bigger goals. “I want to expand Spikey to reach even more people, and I hope to continue to innovate and grow as an entrepreneur,” she says.

Abbie’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s built on hard work, passion, and the willingness to take risks. As the winner of AwardX 2024, Abbie Goddard proves that age is just a number when you have the drive, vision, and heart to make your dreams a reality.

Her message to fellow aspiring entrepreneurs? “Don’t limit yourself. If you have an idea you believe in, go after it. Even if you fail, you’ll learn so much, and you’ll be closer to your goals.”

Abbie’s journey is one of inspiration, passion, and endless possibilities. The future is bright for Spikey—and for Abbie herself.

Find Abbie on LinkedIn and Instagram. Follow Spikey on Instagram.