Odisha MedTech Startup ZTOP IOT Solutions Secures Patent for Revolutionary Pain-Reduction Device
In a significant boost to Odisha's burgeoning MedTech ecosystem, Bhubaneswar-based startup ZTOP IOT Solutions Pvt Ltd has secured a patent for a groundbreaking device designed to eliminate pain from needle pricks during medical procedures. The innovation, called the Topical Anaesthetic Inducer (TAI), specifically targets vaccinations, blood tests, and various diagnostic interventions that traditionally involve needle discomfort.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Barrier
Medical research consistently shows that approximately 16% of adults actively avoid vaccinations due to needle fear, a psychological barrier that frequently delays essential testing and treatment protocols. This avoidance creates substantial public health challenges, particularly in preventive care initiatives. The newly patented TAI device directly confronts this long-standing issue by inducing near-painless skin sensation before any needle-based procedure begins.
"Pain manifests in both physical and psychological dimensions," explained pain specialist Shovan Rath, who serves as an adviser to the innovative startup. "We regularly observe how profound needle anxiety affects patient behavior and disrupts timely medical care. A device like this, designed for widespread use across health centers, represents a much-needed advancement with genuine potential to reshape healthcare delivery."
Alignment with Healthcare Infrastructure Development
Bikramaditya Nayak, director of ZTOP IOT Solutions, emphasized how their innovation complements government efforts to improve healthcare accessibility. "While government initiatives commendably strengthen healthcare infrastructure, we aim to contribute by enhancing service acceptability through patient-friendly technological solutions," Nayak stated. This approach recognizes that advanced facilities alone cannot guarantee optimal healthcare outcomes if patients avoid necessary procedures due to procedural discomfort.
Global Potential and Broader Implications
Co-director Abanis Nayak, who also chairs the ASSOCHAM Odisha Startup Development Council, highlighted the device's international relevance. "India not only provides free domestic vaccination programs but also supports other nations through medical assistance. Imagine the transformative impact of making vaccination completely painless—the confidence and willingness it could generate among populations worldwide. These positive outcomes fundamentally drive our mission."
Support System and Development Journey
The startup acknowledged crucial support from multiple institutions throughout its development journey. Startup Odisha, the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), and the VIT Technology Business Incubator (VIT-TBI) provided essential guidance from initial ideation through patent filing and prototype development phases. This collaborative ecosystem demonstrates how institutional support can accelerate meaningful healthcare innovation.
Next Steps: Clinical Trials and Commercial Deployment
The TAI device is now scheduled to enter clinical trials at a reputable Odisha hospital, representing a critical milestone before potential commercial deployment across healthcare facilities. By specifically targeting one of preventive care's most overlooked barriers—needle phobia—this innovation strengthens Odisha's position as an emerging hub for substantive healthcare technology development.
The startup founders characterized this patent achievement as a pivotal step toward making routine medical procedures genuinely patient-centric. As healthcare systems worldwide increasingly recognize patient experience as integral to treatment efficacy, innovations like the Topical Anaesthetic Inducer could redefine standard medical protocols while expanding access to essential services.
