Startup to Scaleup | Eco BioTraps, a startup that promises to tackle the mosquito menace & battle dengue

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ominous hum of mosquitoes filled the air, a reminder of the nightly battle against these relentless pests.

From the bustling streets of metropolitan cities to the serene countryside, mosquitoes spare no one in their quest for a blood meal. With their incessant buzzing and itchy bites, they are a constant reminder of the challenges India faces in controlling vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.

To talk more about our battle with mosquitoes, Avni Raja from Editorji interviewd Prasad Phadke, the Founder & CEO of Eco BioTraps.

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What is Eco BioTraps?

Eco BioTraps, a Pune-based social enterprise, pioneers the "world's first 100% biodegradable" mosquito trap, effectively combating vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya by disrupting mosquito breeding cycles.

How does Eco BioTraps work?

Speaking about how do these traps work, Phadke said it is a simple yet scientifically backed solution, focused on tackling the mosquito menace by targeting their breeding grounds. Phadke also added that these traps are designed to disrupt the breeding cycle of mosquitoes, thereby reducing their numbers and curbing the spread of diseases they carry.

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Eco BioTraps: The efficacy

Talking about the efficacy of these traps, Phadke said Eco BioTraps has demonstrated promising efficacy in its fight against mosquitoes. He cited the example of Mumbai's Dharavi and thanked SMILE, the incubator run by Mumbai's civic-body BMC, for its support.

He also talked about initial results from Dharavi, an area notorious for mosquito infestations, and said the results have been nothing short of fantastic. ''This collaboration with the BMC incubator and the positive outcomes in Dharavi underscore the potential of Eco BioTraps in effectively combating the mosquito menace and contributing to healthier communities'' Phadke said.

Eco BioTraps: The scale
Speaking about the numbers, Phadke said that Eco BioTraps has made significant strides in scaling its impact, having already protected an impressive 946,000 lives to date.

Operating as a for-profit social enterprise, the organisation balances its social mission with financial sustainability.

Eco BioTraps: The funding
Phadke further said that in its last funding round, Eco BioTraps achieved a valuation of Rs. 15 crore, reflecting investor confidence in its innovative approach to addressing public health challenges.

''This commitment to both social impact and financial growth positions Eco Biotraps as a key player in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases while maintaining a sustainable business model'' Phadke added.