Generating funds difficult but CIBA helped, says D’Costa

HERALD: What is your field of specialty? How is it different from your competitors?

SAMSON D’COSTA: ‘Mobile Switch’ is a device that helps farmers or any individual to switch ‘on/off’ any unit, for example pump connected to it, irrespective of the geographical location by using a normal black and white phone or a smart phone. It is different from others in following ways; (a) Mobile Switch is connected in series with the load (water pump).

That is after the starter mobile switch is connected and from mobile switch the connections go to the water pump. So the starter has to be kept on throughout and power is controlled through mobile switch up to 10HP and 440 volts AC; (b) it is at zero operation cost after the first setup; (c) 50 per cent subsidy for farming use in Goa and (d) uses GSM network for operation. 

HERALD: How does your company help Goans, especially start-ups? Who are you major customers?

SD: When it comes to start-ups, the unit is helpful for polyhouse farming owners to automate the irrigation process they can either set timers remotely as per the plants requirements based on plants growth without having to visit his farm. Goans are excited to get this product as it will be very helpful for them. Farmers are my major customers. 

HERALD: What issues did you have to face when you thought of launching this company? Any help from government /CIBA?

SD: Funds were the major issue. I do not own a property to give it as co-lateral to the banks. The Union Bank of India branch manager kept asking for co-lateral which I never had. I used my hard earned salary to fund myself. My parents blessing helped me a lot. CIBA too did help me in a big way with various activities happening around which added little credits to my mobile switch. Assistance was provided by CIBA right from registering proprietorship firm to register as micro manufacturing company, to getting the unit certified, registering patent, Tm, etc.

HERALD: What made you work as an entrepreneur in Goa? 

SD: Offers for me to shift to major cities are still open and obviously with a good salary. I even turned down offers from US-based companies only because I know, India as a whole has great potential to make good use of the unit I have developed and I can achieve great success here. The unit was kept for testing in my neighboring farms since 2013 the first prototype and the unit is perfected without ignoring any of his suggestions. 

HERALD: How do you see the Goan software market? Is there a demand for your software in Goa?

SD: Goa is known for its scenic beauty with greenery all over and I can visualise that my unit if used wisely can transform the farming sector in Goa. Though I am able to sell the same device for residential purpose for outdoor lighting, STP plant operation, air conditioners (top range), house lighting when the inhabitants aren't present, walk-in safe lockers and many others, but I shall concentrate on farming sector. 

HERALD: Where do you see yourself and your company in next five years from now?

SD: I can see my company as a major platform of innovations, revenue generating and solving unemployment problems for the State and country, and also that our products will be used worldwide. As Mobile Switch is basically a kick start project, more is yet to come. The current unit costing just 7,500 plus taxes.