Kanika Wahi is Co-Founder and Co-Inventor of newly patented enhanced formulation of NasalGuard technology a division of Trutek. Trutek is a privately held company which has developed innovative airborne contamination prevention medical devices, nasal particle blockers and skincare products. NasalGuard ® Airborne Particle Blocker wants everyone to Breathe Easier this year. It is Allergy Season and people are getting vaccines for COVID-19, for travel or to protect from other airborne allergens and pollutants, this ‘invisible mask’ worn under your mask will make life safer for you and your loved ones.
NasalGuard ® Airborne Particle Blocker ® is a drug-free electrostatic topical nasal gel that prevents airborne particles from entering the nose. The product is drug-free and safe for children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women, and those concerned about potential drug interactions with other medications.
FWM: What led to your love of engineering? And did that career path draw you to want to work with your Engineer Dad Ashok Wahi on NasalGuard and at Trutek the parent company?
From an early age, I always had an interest in solving problems, biology, and physics and I have been fortunate enough to witness my father, the Co-Founder of Trutek, originally create NasalGuard as a drug-free alternative to help my sister avoid prescription allergy medications. We have successfully advanced the technology of NasalGuard which was originally focused on blocking allergens from entering the nose for preventing allergy symptoms. This breakthrough reformulation provides a greater electrostatic blocking effect that is effective against a much wider spectrum of sub-microscopic indoor and outdoor contaminants including mold, virus-sized particles, pollution, pollen, and pet dander.
FMM: Tell us about NasalGuard ® Airborne Particle Blocker.
NasalGuard is the only drug-free clear topical gel that is designed for the nose with patented ionic particle blocking technology. It works like a magnet. Patented NasalGuard gel uses a cationic (positively charged) polymer that creates a safe electrostatic field around the nasal passages that traps oppositely charged particles and repels similarly charged particles to reduce inhalation of most harmful airborne particles before they enter your body. You simply apply a pin-sized drop of the preventative gel around the nostrils and above the upper lip, allow it to dry and it lasts for up to 6 hours.
FWM: NasalGuard ® is non-invasive, drug-free and safe for children, the elderly, pregnant or nursing women. It has sold over 18 million units nationwide. Why do people choose NasalGuard ® for allergies, colds, and to avoid other airborne pollutants?
People use NasalGuard to guard themselves against everyday pollution, allergens, dust mites, and virus-sized particles. They use this added layer of protection because it’s portable, drug-free, invisible and safe for the whole family including children and pregnant women.
FWM: Along with co-inventing with your Dad, Ashok Wahi of Trutek, you collaborated with senior management to secure new business, licenses and account development for the company in international and domestic markets. What does your day look like?
Each day looks quite different from the next, as there are always fluctuating daily demands of a small business. On a day-to-day basis that could range from the very simple or immediate to the very complex and visionary. Since there are many moving parts, I could have some days in the lab for product development & overseeing manufacturing at our plant, or days of meetings and brainstorming with our team. Before the pandemic, traveling to our customers overseas was also a key aspect of the business.
FWM: What advice would you give to young women who want to follow in your footsteps? Is it important to have a mentor and who is yours?
Be overprepared, never doubt yourself and welcome setbacks because that is how you learn and grow. To some extent, having a mentor is important early on to help build confidence, support your goals and to serve as a sounding board for your ideas. My older sister has been a mentor to me for many years.
FWM: What are you most proud of during your career?
I’m most proud of the fact that our innovative products help people live healthier lives. The consumer products we develop have an impact on and improve our customers’ daily experiences.
FWM: What is your vision for NasalGuard ® Airborne Particle Blocker in 2021? Any plans for expanding to other product offerings?
We are excited to share that we have new products in the pipeline that are expected to launch by the end of 2021 which are category line extensions and additions to the NasalGuard umbrella.
FWM: Please share your social media handles?
Instagram: @nasalguard https://www.instagram.com/nasalguard/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasalGuard/
