Odisha MedTech Startup ZTOP IOT Solutions Secures Patent for Needle Pain-Reduction Device
Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to Odisha’s growing MedTech innovation ecosystem, ZTOP IOT Solutions Private Limited, an Odisha-based startup, has secured a patent for its pioneering Topical Anaesthetic Inducer (TAI) apparatus – a first-of-its-kind device designed to drastically reduce pain associated with needle pricks during medical procedures. The innovation reinforces the vision of a Skilled in Odisha, Made in India product aimed at the global healthcare market.
Healthcare studies indicate that nearly 16% of adults avoid vaccination due to fear of needles, a condition commonly linked to trypanophobia. Similar anxiety is also observed during blood sample collection and other needle-based diagnostic procedures, often leading to delays in disease detection and treatment. The newly patented TAI apparatus addresses this challenge by enabling a virtually pain-less needle-based procedure on the skin, thereby improving patient comfort and encouraging timely healthcare interventions.
Highlighting the medical relevance of the innovation, noted pain specialist Dr Shovan Rath, Advisor to the startup, said, “Pain is both physical and mental. We have seen the impact of trypanophobia among patients. This device, built for health centres, is much needed and has the potential to disrupt the sector.”
Rtn. Bikramaditya Nayak, Director of ZTOP IOT Solutions Private Limited, stated, “While the Government is doing commendable work in improving healthcare accessibility, we aim to contribute by enhancing the acceptability of services through patient-friendly innovation.”
Mr Abanis Nayak, Director, ZTOP IOT Solutions Private Limited, added, “The Government of India provides free vaccines domestically and extends support to other countries. Imagine the impact of a device that makes vaccination pain-less – the smiles and confidence it would generate are the true driving force behind our work.”
Mr. Nayak, who also serves as Chairman of the ASSOCHAM Odisha Startup Development Council, continues to play an active role in strengthening Odisha’s startup ecosystem.
The startup acknowledged the continued support of Startup Odisha and Software Technology Parks of India in enabling its innovation journey. Special recognition was extended to the VIT-TBI (Vellore Institute of Technology Technology Business Incubator) for hand-holding the team from ideation to Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and for providing critical guidance in patent filing and advisory support.
The MedTech device is expected to move into clinical trials shortly at a reputed hospital in Odisha, marking an important step toward commercialization and large-scale deployment across healthcare facilities.
With its patient-centric approach and global potential, the patented TAI apparatus positions Odisha as an emerging hub for meaningful healthcare innovation while addressing one of the most overlooked barriers in preventive care – fear of needles.
