COVID-19 pandemic has played a havoc role for humans across the globe. The first line of defense against the prevailing situation have been sanitisers, face masks and COVID appropriate behaviour. Masks have been recommended by WHO as well to protect against and limit the spread of COVID-19. N95 face masks, especially, have been considered more effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 virus from an infected person to a non-infected one. But the usage of N95 face masks prove to be uncomfortable for many and are mostly unwashable.

Parisodhana Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was supported partly by BIRAC and IKP Knowledge Park, under the Fast-Track COVID-19 fund to develop hybrid multiply face masks, SHG-95^® (Billion Social Masks). These ‘Made in India’ face masks provide high particulate (>90%) and bacterial filtration efficiency (>99%). The face masks so developed ensure high breathability, have comfortable ear loops, and are convenient to be used even in tropical conditions since they are prepared from purely hand weaved cotton contact materials. A special filtration layer is an added advantage. The cost of these hand washable and reusable face masks has been estimated as INR 50-75 per piece by the company, making it affordable for general public as well.

With around 145000+ units sold, this initiative, which is also funded by Grand Challenges Canada, has been designed to meet the demands in times of COVID-19, while improving the livelihoods of many Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The founders of Parisodhana Technologies Pvt. Ltd. envision to create solutions to problems faced by the mankind through utilising applied research and affordable product development.

For Further Information: Contact Communication Cell of DBT/BIRAC

• @DBTIndia@BIRAC_2012

www.dbtindia.gov.in

www.birac.nic.in

About DBT

Under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) enhances and improves the development of biotechnology in India, via its growth and application in agriculture, healthcare, animal sciences, environment, and industry.

About BIRAC

A not-for-profit Section 8, Schedule B, Public Sector Enterprise set up by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) acts as an Interface Agency to improve and encourage the evolving biotechnology industry to execute strategic research and development activities in context to Nation’s product development needs

About Parisodhana Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Parisodhana Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is currently aimed at developing products of related to health care and wellness. The team has an added advantage of its global exposure and training at premier institutes to solve problems as per the Indian context. It is registered as a Private Limited company in June 2016 from Hyderabad, India.

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SS/RP (DBT)