During Women’s History Month, Wisconsin boasts numerous women-owned enterprises, among them Nerdbugs, founded in 2018 by a doctor in Madison. Dr. Ronak Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO, established Nerdbugs with the aim of fostering awareness of various medical and mental health conditions in an engaging manner.
Since its inception, Nerdbugs’ products have enjoyed remarkable popularity. Driven by a commitment to raising awareness, the business has expanded its offerings from 5 to 20 plushies over the past five years. These plushies, representing organs such as the heart, kidney, and lungs, serve as thoughtful alternatives to conventional get-well gifts like flowers.
Reflecting on the profound impact of Nerdbugs, Dr. Mehta expressed gratitude for the meaningful connections formed with customers worldwide. She recounted receiving messages, photos, and stories illustrating how the plushies have brought comfort and joy to individuals navigating challenging health journeys, including breast cancer treatment and dialysis.
In 2023, Nerdbugs forged a partnership with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Community Impact Project, donating plushies to patients at children’s hospitals in Tennessee. Dr. Mehta underscored the role of these plushies in facilitating conversations about health and promoting a deeper understanding of the human body.
According to Dr. Mehta, Nerdbugs’ gifts have made a tangible difference in the lives of over 80,000 individuals globally. Looking ahead, she envisions expanding the business’s impact through the development of educational books and further collaborations with children’s hospitals.
Dr. Mehta emphasized the importance of demystifying health conditions and reducing stigma, asserting that knowledge fosters compassion and empathy. By shedding light on various medical and mental health conditions, Nerdbugs aims to contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world.
