The Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) students' startup IBRUM Technologies co-developed by PhD scholar from the Department of Design, Priyabrata Rautray and former Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship fellow, Nibedit Dey has been listed in the top ten start-up awards (product category) at 28th Annual HYSEA Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association Awards for 'Swatchh Air', IIT-H said in a press release on Wednesday.

Swatchh Air is a low-cost air stabilisation system that reduces the overall viral load in the air. The solution is a UVGI (Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) and negative ionisation based system to sterilise rooms with the possible presence of harmful pathogens like COVID-19. Product not only won the Best Ten Start-up award but has also received 1-year associate membership of TiE Hyderabad along with mentoring.

Product was conceptualized under the BUILD (Bold and Unique Ideas Leading to Development) project scheme initiated by Director, IIT Hyderabad to support the start-up's spirit and entrepreneurship among the students. It is based on the founder's previous award-winning publication on -"Design and development of a cost-efficient Air Sterilization System-".A working prototype has been deployed at IIT Hyderabad. There are two variants of the product, one is for air sterilization and another for surface sterilization. Air sterilization can be done in infected places, isolation wards, quarantine centres, and prevent further transmission. Its applications include places like Hospitals & Clinics, Operation Theaters, Patient Care, Special Wards and Isolation Wards, Quarantine Centres, Home - Personal Use and Small Offices. Ends//Mayank Tiwari