In the quiet town of Montussan, Gironde, a man’s unexpected encounter with a nest of Asian hornets under the roof of his home sparked not just concern but also an inventive breakthrough. Manuel Augusto, the inventor, shares how a vivid dream on a Saturday morning led him to a groundbreaking solution to a menacing problem.
The Birth of a Revolutionary Idea
“One morning, it all came to me in a dream,” Augusto recalls. “I jumped out of bed, had breakfast, and rushed to my workshop in the garden. I grabbed everything that could possibly be of use.” What emerged from his creative burst was the first prototype of an innovative tool designed exclusively to exterminate Asian hornets.
The Design: Simple Yet Effective
Augusto’s device is brilliantly straightforward: a telescopic tube, extending up to 3.5 meters, fitted with multiple internal blades and equipped with a vacuum at the end. The user simply points the tube towards the hornet’s nest, and the device does the rest—efficiently shredding the insects without posing any risk to the user or relying on harmful chemicals.
Gaining Recognition
Initially, Augusto hadn’t realized the full potential of his invention. However, as the pandemic led many to seek solutions that could be managed while adhering to lockdown measures, he saw an opportunity to market his product. He established his company, BeeZen, to finance and sell his invention, now upgraded to meet market standards.
“I gave it my all—from engineering to compliance and financing,” Augusto explains. He partnered with Benoit Chalmé, a local business leader, to propel his venture forward.
A Success Story
Not only has the device become a hit among thousands of users, but it has also earned accolades, winning a gold medal at the 2023 Concours Lépine, a prestigious competition celebrating top national inventions.
This tale of creativity and entrepreneurship goes to show that sometimes, the best ideas come to us when we least expect them—perhaps even in a dream. As Manuel Augusto continues to refine his invention, his story is a testament to how innovation can emerge from personal challenges, turning a simple idea into a solution that benefits many.
