Biography of Prasad Phadke: Founder & CEO of Eco BioTraps- Entrepreneur
Prasad Phadke: From Corporate Giant to Entrepreneur
Prasad Phadke, an ambitious entrepreneur, is the founder and
CEO of Eco BioTraps, a company focused on tackling the global menace of
mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. With over two decades of
experience in the corporate world, Prasad transitioned from leading global tech
companies such as NVIDIA, HP, and Autodesk to becoming a social entrepreneur.
His career journey is a remarkable one, filled with professional success and a
deep desire to make a meaningful impact on society.
The Turning Point: The Inspiration Behind Eco BioTraps
While dining at a restaurant with friends, Prasad was bitten
by mosquitoes, which sparked an idea that would change the course of his
career. Surrounded by the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases, Prasad
realized that despite technological advancements, there had been no significant
solution to this long-standing problem. This moment inspired him to explore how
he could contribute to solving this issue, leading him to co-found Eco
BioTraps, a company dedicated to reducing mosquito populations through innovative,
science-backed methods.
Building Eco BioTraps: A Mission to Protect Lives
Eco BioTraps was established as a for-profit social
enterprise, co-founded by Prasad and his partner Ash Munshi. The company’s goal
was simple but ambitious: to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases and
save lives. Their solution was not about providing temporary relief through
repellents or sprays but addressing the root cause—mosquito breeding. They
developed biodegradable traps that disrupt the mosquito breeding cycle,
offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to a critical public health issue.
A Career in Corporate Tech: Prasad’s Leadership Journey
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Prasad had
a distinguished career in the tech industry. He spent over 20 years leading and
building global brands such as NVIDIA, HP, and Autodesk across South Asia and
the Americas. His expertise in technology and marketing helped him create
powerful brand experiences and scale businesses in both hardware and software.
He built lasting relationships with influential leaders and was recognized by
organizations such as FICCI and CMO Asia for his contributions to the marketing
and media industries.
From Corporate Success to Social Impact
After a fulfilling corporate career, Prasad decided to leave
the corporate world behind. Tired of the "under-the-bus acrobatics"
of corporate politics, he chose to focus on social entrepreneurship. He and Ash
Munshi came together to create Eco BioTraps, inspired by a shared desire to
tackle societal problems that affect millions. Their mission was to use their
skills and resources to address the mosquito crisis, which continues to claim
countless lives each year.
Understanding the Problem: Why Focus on Mosquitoes?
In a world filled with groundbreaking technologies, the
ongoing problem of mosquitoes and their associated diseases seemed outdated and
neglected. As Prasad observed, mosquito-borne diseases were still claiming
millions of lives annually. While advanced technologies like artificial
intelligence and space exploration were achieving great things, the problem of
mosquitoes remained unsolved. This realization became the driving force behind
Eco BioTraps.
Innovative Solution: The Mosquito Egg Trap
Eco BioTraps developed a unique product to combat the root
cause of mosquito infestations—mosquito breeding. The product is a pot made
from eco-friendly materials that attracts female mosquitoes to lay their eggs.
These pots are designed to create an ideal breeding environment, but the water
inside slowly drains, damaging the mosquito eggs. This process prevents the
eggs from developing into adult mosquitoes, thus disrupting the mosquito life
cycle.
A Solution to the Root Cause
Prasad's research showed that existing mosquito control
methods, like repellents and sprays, only provide temporary relief. These
methods don’t address the root cause of the problem—mosquito breeding. Eco
BioTraps’ approach is more effective in the long run, as it works to prevent
mosquitoes from reproducing in the first place. By targeting female mosquitoes,
which are the only ones that bite, the company’s product aims to reduce
mosquito populations at their source.
The Dharavi Experiment: Proving the Effectiveness
To prove the effectiveness of their product, Eco BioTraps
chose Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums, as a testing ground. The company
successfully managed to reduce mosquito populations in this area, demonstrating
the potential of their product in a real-world setting. By working with local
authorities like the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation), Eco BioTraps
showcased how their product could make areas mosquito-free within a few months.
Biography of Prasad Phadke: Founder & CEO of Eco BioTraps- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/startup/eco-friendly solutions for mosquito control
How the Eco BioTraps Product Works
The Eco BioTraps product is designed to be easy to use. It
consists of a pot made of egg tray material, which attracts mosquitoes to lay
their eggs inside it. The pot is filled with water, and two sachets are placed
inside—one to attract mosquitoes and the other to destroy their eggs. The
product covers an area of around 400 square feet and lasts for 30 days. After
that, the pot and sachets need to be replaced to ensure continued mosquito
control.
A Scalable and Sustainable Solution
Eco BioTraps has positioned itself as a sustainable solution
to the mosquito problem. The company’s products are biodegradable, and the
design minimizes water wastage. This is a more eco-friendly option compared to
other mosquito control methods, which often rely on chemicals or
non-biodegradable materials. Prasad and his team aim to scale the production of
their products and bring them to a larger market, including international
markets like Malaysia, Nepal, and Zambia.
Challenges in the Market and the B2B Focus
As with any startup, Eco BioTraps faces challenges in
proving the viability of its product on a larger scale. The company is
currently focusing on B2B sales, with its products being sold to businesses and
local governments. Although the company is not yet using a subscription model,
Prasad sees this as a potential avenue for future growth. For now, Eco
BioTraps’ revenue is driven by the direct sale of its mosquito control
products, with plans to expand further in the market.
Funding and Financial Outlook
Eco BioTraps raised Rs 1.25 crore in funding in 2022, with a
valuation of Rs 15 crore. While the company has not received any grants from
the government, it has benefited from support through CSR (Corporate Social
Responsibility) initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the BMC.
The company is working on expanding its reach and expects its revenue to grow
significantly in the coming years. Prasad envisions a turnover of Rs 10 crore
for the company this year, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable
mosquito control solutions.
Prasad’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Prasad sees a bright future for Eco BioTraps
as the company works to scale its products and expand internationally. By
focusing on eco-friendly, science-based solutions, Eco BioTraps aims to tackle
the global mosquito problem and reduce the spread of deadly diseases. The
company’s vision is not only to make areas mosquito-free but also to educate
people about the importance of sustainable solutions for public health.
A Personal Journey: From Selling Detergents to Leading a
Startup
Prasad’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Eco
BioTraps. At the age of 18, he and a friend started a commission-based sales
job, selling detergents and shirts door-to-door. This experience taught him the
value of hard work and perseverance. After completing his diploma, Prasad
transitioned into the corporate world, where he worked his way up through
companies like NVIDIA, HP, and Autodesk, ultimately becoming a leader in
marketing and business development.
Mentorship and Inspiration
Throughout his career, Prasad has been fortunate to have
mentors who have guided and inspired him. One of the most influential figures
in his life is Jensen Wong, the CEO of NVIDIA, who mentored him during his time
at the company. Prasad credits his mentors for helping him achieve success and
for providing valuable life lessons that have shaped his entrepreneurial
mindset.
Prasad’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: Living the Dream
Prasad describes himself as a "Uberalllosigkeit,"
someone who lives the dream of a raconteur, always striving to achieve the
impossible. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the
desire to make a difference. By leaving behind his corporate career and
venturing into entrepreneurship, Prasad has found a new purpose—one that blends
his passion for technology with his commitment to social impact. His work with
Eco BioTraps is just the beginning of a larger mission to create positive
change and tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems.
A timeline of key events in the story of Prasad Phadke and
Eco BioTraps:
Early Career – Prasad works in sales at age 18 and later
joins global tech companies like NVIDIA, HP, and Autodesk.
Inspiration for Eco BioTraps – In a restaurant, Prasad is
bitten by mosquitoes, sparking the idea to tackle mosquito-borne diseases.
Eco BioTraps Founded – Prasad co-founds Eco BioTraps with
Ash Munshi, focusing on eco-friendly solutions for mosquito control.
Product Development – The company develops biodegradable
mosquito egg traps designed to disrupt the breeding cycle.
The Dharavi Experiment – Eco BioTraps tests its product in
Dharavi, reducing mosquito populations with positive results.
2022 Funding – The company raises Rs 1.25 crore in funding,
valued at Rs 15 crore, and partners with BMC.
Market Expansion Plans – Prasad envisions international
growth in markets like Malaysia, Nepal, and Zambia.
Revenue Growth – Eco BioTraps targets Rs 10 crore in
turnover, reflecting growing demand for sustainable solutions.
2024 – Focuses on scaling and educating people on
sustainable mosquito control to improve public health globally.
