Pune, India – In the ongoing battle against vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, Pune-based Eco BioTraps has emerged as a game-changer. Led by Prasad Phadke, this for-profit social enterprise is utilizing innovative science to address the root cause of mosquito-borne illnesses, presenting a sustainable solution to safeguard communities.
While the world has grappled with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, diseases like dengue and malaria continue to pose significant threats, with limited vaccine options available. Traditional methods like mosquito traps, repellents, and swatters provide only temporary relief, failing to address the fundamental issue at hand. Eco BioTraps introduces a novel approach – simple, biodegradable traps that effectively disrupt the mosquito breeding cycle.
Phadke explains, “Science tells us only female mosquitoes bite, and they have a short lifespan of 15 to 30 days. They breed only in water, laying hundreds of eggs in this brief period. Our traps eliminate the female mosquito and 100% of her larvae, breaking the chain of transmission.”
Addressing the Global Crisis
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Phadke references a World Health Organization (WHO) report from December 21, 2023, revealing a historic spike in dengue cases, with over 50 lakh cases and more than 5000 dengue-related deaths reported globally. Drawing parallels with the Covid-19 pandemic, Phadke emphasizes the need to break the chain of transmission for diseases like dengue.
Entrepreneurial Journey and Mission
A son of an army officer, Phadke’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 16. With over 20 years of leadership experience in global brands, he felt a calling for a mission beyond the corporate world. Teaming up with Silicon Valley veteran Ash Munshi, Phadke founded Eco BioTraps with sustainability as their guiding principle.
Eco-Friendly Innovation
The Eco BioTraps solution utilizes recycled cardboard or corrugated boxes with a sachet containing an attractant to lure mosquitoes and a government-approved killing ingredient. The trap, designed to biodegrade within a month, provides eco-friendly protection for a 400 square feet area.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Initially tested in challenging terrains like Dharavi, Eco BioTraps gained validation as the only device scientifically guaranteeing a dengue mosquito-free zone within a 200-meter radius. The product is predominantly distributed through B2B channels, with partnerships established with Pest Control India and other major entities.
Future Prospects and Expansion
Looking ahead, Eco BioTraps aims to revolutionize public health by integrating IoT chips for disease surveillance. With patent protection in 50 countries and a licensing option, the company plans to expand to five countries in the coming year, including Malaysia, Nepal, and China. By 2026, the goal is to expand to more than 10 countries and consider listing on the BSE SME platform or the Social Stock Exchange.
