
For centuries, mosquitoes have been carriers of diseases like malaria, yellow fever, Zika, and dengue that have had devastating effects on human populations, particularly impacting people in Africa the most. This has been a persistent issue since ancient times, dating back to the era of dinosaurs.
But what is shocking to a great extent is the fact that no real weapon has been innovated in humanity’s defence against these formidable little creatures. They may only be a few millimetres long, but the damage they do is multifold. A report by aid agency Save the Children, showed that between January and November 2023, a whopping 5 million cases of dengue fever were recorded across 20 of the worst-impacted countries – which included India.
Against this backdrop, Eco BioTraps emerges as a symbol of scientific innovation and entrepreneurial drive. Founded by Prasad Phadke, a visionary leader with a passion for solving social impact problems, Eco BioTraps has become a game-changer in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria.
Prasad Phadke’s entrepreneurial journey began with humble roots and a thirst for knowledge. During his Grade 10 vacations, he immersed himself in the world of entrepreneurship while assisting his uncle in Goa. This experience ignited his passion for business and laid the foundation for his future endeavours.
After completing his education, Prasad ventured into the corporate world, where he honed his skills in building global brands like 3Dlabs, Autodesk, NVIDIA, and Hewlett Packard. However, it was a pivotal moment during a brainstorming session with Silicon Valley’s serial entrepreneur, Ash Munshi, that led to the birth of Eco BioTraps.
The birth of Eco BioTraps stems from a simple observation during a restaurant discussion disrupted by mosquitoes. This encounter highlighted the persistent threat of mosquito-borne diseases in a world focused on advanced technologies. Thus, Eco BioTraps, a for-profit social enterprise leveraging science to break the mosquito breeding cycle and protect communities from deadly diseases, was born.
Like any entrepreneurial venture, Eco BioTraps faced its share of challenges. Initially targeting multiple segments, Prasad realised the importance of focus, inspired by a note from his mentor, Jen Hsun Huang, urging him to “Laser Focus.” This shift in strategy towards a B2B model marked a turning point for Eco BioTraps, enabling them to streamline operations and drive impact effectively.
Eco BioTraps’ unique value proposition lies in its scientific approach to source reduction. Unlike traditional methods that target adult mosquitoes, Eco BioTraps is the world’s first 100% green ovitrap that focuses on breaking the chain of mosquito breeding, thus reducing dengue, malaria causing mosquito population exponentially. This approach aligns with WHO guidelines and government strategies, making Eco BioTraps a pioneering solution in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases.
Eco BioTraps’ impact speaks volumes through tangible results. From drastically reducing dengue cases in Dharavi, Mumbai where the team undertook a pilot project with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, to protecting thousands of lives and preserving the environment, the company’s achievements have been recognized nationally and celebrated locally. Winning accolades at the National Social Innovation Conference in Pune underscores Eco BioTraps’ commitment to innovation and social impact.
Central to Eco BioTraps’ success is its culture of creativity and collaboration. Prasad emphasises open communication, active listening, and cross-functional teamwork. This inclusive approach enables the team to ideate, innovate, and implement solutions that drive meaningful change.
Looking ahead, Prasad envisions listing Eco BioTraps in India, expanding globally, and achieving a market value of Rs 3000 crore. His ambitious goals reflect Eco BioTraps’ mission to transform the landscape of mosquito control and create a healthier, mosquito-free world.
On National Dengue Day, Eco BioTraps stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination, reminding us that with innovation and collaboration, we can break the chain of mosquito-borne diseases and safeguard our communities’ health.