Bee guardian: innovative ecological and automatic device protects bees from Varroa mite

Bees – so small and yet extremely important for the world’s biodiversity, healthy ecosystems, food production and economy – must be protected for the well-being of our planet. One of the challenges for beekeepers is to shield bees from Varroa, a parasitic mite that attacks their colonies and is one of the most damaging honeybee pests. 
 

If not treated properly, Varroa can lead to the death of 50 % of affected colonies, aside from an economic loss of EUR 360 per hive. Until recently, the different methods to remove the pest presented some challenges. Chemical solutions, applied manually, are initially 100 % effective, but over time, Varroa mites can develop resistance to these treatments. Also, after using such solutions, there is a 6-month waiting period for all bee products. Another approach is to use ecological solutions, which are applied manually, and deliver up to 70 % efficiency. However, these can increase the temperature inside the hive, which is harmful for the bees.

To solve these issues, the start-up Eco Hive from Belgrade, Serbia, has developed an innovative device. Their patented solution is both ecological and automatic, capable of removing Varroa mites with an efficiency of 99.4 % using an automated formic acid application. This method does not lead to mite resistance, does not require a grace period and needs only one day of intervention at the apiary.

The revolutionary solution was developed by two young entrepreneurs, who were able to put their ideas into practice with the help of the Enterprise Europe Network. “The Network allowed me, as a 19-year-old, to enter a level of business that I could only dream of achieving in such a short period of time,” said Nikola Teomirović, CEO and co-founder of Eco Hive.

Working together step by step

The co-founders of Eco Hive worked with an Enterprise Europe Network adviser in Novi Sad during a domestic competition and then, in 2023, became a member of the Network. At the time, the company was being set up and needed financial resources for the development of the product.

Collaborating closely, the Network supported the start-up in several steps. They worked on understanding the characteristics of the product, such as its degree of innovation and technological advantages in relation to competitors, and on defining the value proposition for target customers, to clearly position the product in the market. 

They also worked together to define the business model, determine an intellectual property rights strategy, search for grants to apply for, and find international partners. 

"Our cooperation with the Network came exactly when we needed it. We secured investments for the improvement and production of our ecological solution, and we were able to start a joint search for a foreign partner. From this, many contacts arose, one of which is currently being developed and will ensure a contract for the export of our device to France," stated Teomirović.

"During our work, these two 19-year-old boys have expressed professionalism, dedication and willingness to learn, improve and succeed! It has been really easy working with them," said Vesna Rašković Depalov, business consultant at the Enterprise Europe Network in Serbia.

Harvesting the honey

By collaborating with the Network, Eco Hive is reaping the sweet rewards of their diligence. The start-up was able to secure the patent and CE marking for its device in a very short time, receive a total of EUR 160,000 from both private investments and grants, hire a new employee and produce 500 ecological devices – also ensuring their pre-order and sales contract for this beekeeping season.

In 2024, the company will also finalise the contract with a French partner to be its exclusive distributor for this market, marking the beginning of its export to other European countries. In fact, negotiations with a distributor in the Netherlands are already in motion. In addition, the company expects to make agreements with other potential investors.

"The plan is to continue entering other European markets, but also to find partners in the southern hemisphere. This way, we can overcome the seasonal nature of our field: during the winter in the northern hemisphere, we can do business in the southern hemisphere, where it is summer. We see the Enterprise Europe Network supporting us in finding partners to grow in both directions," concluded Teomirović.