uBreathe is a Gurugram-based startup that focuses on air purification technology by enhancing the air-purifying properties of plants. The company’s main innovation is its patented technology, which improves soil breathability, enabling better oxygen production and pollutant absorption, thereby increasing plant efficiency in cleaning indoor air with air purifiers. Shubham Singh and Sanjay Maurya founders started their Journey of uBreathe in 2018. With six air purification-related patents filed in India and one breathing roots technology PCT filed in Europe, they launched their product, uBreathe Life Classic, in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic. A natural plant-based indoor air purifier that can be used in homes, workplaces, and healthcare centres is uBreathe’s primary offering. uBreathe’s innovative strategy is reducing air pollution using natural and sustainable methods.
uBreathe in Shark Tank India, Season 2
uBreathe presented their products on Shark Tank India Season 2. uBreathe has a range of air purifiers which claims to have these key features-
- “capture up to 99.97% of pollutants, including gaseous pollutant such as COx NOx & Sox”.
- “Advanced 5-Stage Filtration + UV disinfection with real-time AQI monitoring”
- “Biofiltration reduces HEPA filters changes & cost”
- “Recommended by professionals & experts at AIIMS, IIT Ropar and NABL”.[1]
The founders, Sanjay Maurya and Shubham Singh highlighted the dangers of air pollution to human health. Their solution employs technology to improve soil breathability, thereby increasing plants’ natural ability to purify the air. Namita Thapar, one of the investors in Shark Tank and Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, India, initially offered ₹1.5 crores for a 7.5% stake in the business, valuing the company at ₹20 crores. The final deal involved ₹50 lakhs for 5% equity and ₹1 crore in debt with 10% interest. Startups that combine innovation and health-related solutions have always piqued Namita’s interest. Nevertheless, uBreathe did not receive funding from Namita Thapar’s team. The founders of uBreathe claimed in a Startup Pedia podcast that there had been a struggle in communication with the team of investor Namita Thapar.
Challenges and Downsides of uBreathe
Despite the potential of uBreathe’s plant-based air purification technology, the business may run into several obstacles and downsides as it grows:
1. Scaling production to satisfy demand while preserving product quality can be challenging for a developing company. To meet possible demand, uBreathe might have to make significant investments in manufacturing infrastructure, which could be costly and time-consuming.
2. Even though uBreathe products are positioned as less costly than high-end models, they might still cost more than conventional air purifiers. This might discourage consumers on a low budget from making a purchase.
3. Convincing users to switch to a more unusual plant-based system is challenging because traditional air purifiers with well-known and reliable filtration systems, like HEPA or activated carbon, are well-known and trusted. When it comes to something as important as air quality, not all customers are willing to put their trust in natural or plant-based remedies for major health issues such as air pollution. This scepticism can be a significant challenge to overcome.
uBreathe’s prospects for the future
In addition to its current focus on homes and healthcare facilities, uBreathe could expand its product line to serve a broader range of clients by providing solutions for large spaces like offices, factories, and hospitals. As more people become conscious of air pollution and its detrimental effects on health, uBreathe has the potential to expand both in India and abroad. There may be a lot of potential for plant-based air purifiers in Southeast Asia and other regions with growing urban populations. The growing sustainability trends, green technologies, and environmentally conscious consumer behaviour are projected to drive demand for uBreathe’s products. They are leading the green-tech sector since they rely on natural, plant-based air purification methods. uBreathe may consider tailoring its products to different kinds of customers (e.g., high-end products for premium markets or more affordable variants for mass adoption). All things considered, uBreathe’s innovative approach to addressing air quality problems and its potential for growth in various markets and industries position it for future success.
