Prasad Harish Wadke, a Mumbai-based entrepreneur, conceptualized his startup, Eco BioTraps, after experiencing mosquito bites at a restaurant. Together with his friend Binal Shah, they aimed to address the persistent issue of mosquito-borne diseases. Their innovative approach, showcased on Shark Tank India Season 3, caught the judges' attention for tackling the root cause of mosquito proliferation rather than offering temporary solutions like repellents.
Unlike traditional methods, Eco BioTraps focuses on preemptively managing mosquito populations. Their product, pots designed to attract female mosquitoes for egg-laying, disrupts the breeding cycle. Placed indoors, these pots create an optimal environment for egg-laying, but once the water drains, it damages the eggs, curbing mosquito reproduction.
Instead of developing repellents, Wadke opted to target the root cause of mosquito infestations. Through research, he discovered that repellents only offer temporary relief, whereas mosquitoes reproduce rapidly. Female mosquitoes, responsible for biting and transmitting diseases, can lay hundreds of eggs in a single cycle, exacerbating the problem. By addressing the breeding process, Eco BioTraps aims to prevent mosquito-borne diseases at their source.
Their strategy has shown promising results in Dharavi, Asia's largest slum, where Eco BioTraps claims to have significantly reduced mosquito populations. With continuous usage, they believe their product can effectively combat mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in densely populated areas. Additionally, Eco BioTraps collaborates with scientists like Sushanta Kumar Ghosh, who developed fish species capable of consuming mosquito eggs, further enhancing their approach to mosquito control.
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