An N95 mask and PPE disinfection system developed by a Mumbai-based start-up, Indra Water, has been installed at several Government hospitals across Maharashtra and Telangana after being validated and tested by IIT Bombay.     

“The product uses a multistage disinfection process with advanced oxidation, corona discharge, and UV-C light spectrum to inactivate the viruses, bacteria, and other microbial strains present on the PPE with more than 99.999% efficiency,”  the Centre’s Department of Science and Technology said in a statement on Thursday.

The disinfection system called Vajra Kavach is significantly decreasing the cost of combating the pandemic by making PPE, medical, and nonmedical gear reusable and reducing the generation of excessive COVID 19 related bio-medical waste, thereby helping the environment. It is also making personal protective equipment more available, affordable, and accessible, the official statement said.

The startup, Indra Water, was initiated with the NIDHI-PRAYAS grant from the Department of Science and Technology through SINE- IIT Bombay for innovations in the water sector. With support from SINE, IIT Bombay it has now developed the capacity to manufacture and supply 25 disinfection systems per month, the statement added.