KOCHI:
The risk of physical contact spreading COVID-19 has led a company at Maker Village Kochi to come up with a handy device that enables a range of common yet critical activities without the risk of exposure to the deadly coronavirus.
SectorQube has launched the keychain-shaped CoGun that aids people in routine functions such as pushing the door-handle, pressing the ATM buttons, operating a lift or water tap, thus guarding the user against possibly germ-infested surfaces. Costing close to Rs 150, CoGun is ready to take shipping orders. The innovative product was launched this week as part of a series of innovations taking place at Maker Village in line with an emerging national focus on indigenisation.
“Within five hours of launch and minimal marketing, we received close to 200 pre-orders from across the country,” said SectorQube CEO Nibu Alias. “Additionally, we received enquiries from countries such as Ireland, UK and UAE, apart from bulk orders totalling 40,000 pieces of CoGun.”
When COVID-19 is bringing in new habits to people across the globe, SectorQube’s product has got the potential to become a game-changer, added the head of the company which is incubating at Maker Village for the past three years.
Maker Village sources said CoGun stands out for its simple design, affordable price and size that permits carrying it in pocket. SectorQube has already developed a fully-automatic roti-making machine, which is getting ready for launch. The current COVID-triggered crisis prompted its team to come up with CoGun in less than two weeks, using the facilities available at Maker Village that functions at the Integrated Startup Complex in Kalamassery, 20 km north of this city.
The 2016-founded Maker Village is a joint initiative of Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Government of Kerala with IIITM-K in Thiruvananthapuram as the nodal agency. CoGun can be ordered at www.safegad.com, said Alias of SectorQube that provides solutions to business problems, responds to market needs and follows up digital trends.
“We had discussions with doctors and professionals of various specialisations from across the country,” the CEO said. “To them, CoGun has a huge potential. They think it can be considered mostly in the category of a PPE, but with more convenience in using it.”
With a production capacity of 10,000 pieces a day, CoGun has registered with online portals such as Amazon. “Soon, CoGun will sell nation-wide,” Alias said.
