SPARSH – Social Innovation Programme for Products Affordable & Relevant to Social Health
About this scheme
The SPARSH (Social Innovation Programme for Products Affordable & Relevant to Social Health), under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, supports innovators in developing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions to help ensure that essential health products reach and benefit underserved communities.
OBJECTIVES
SPARSH, the social innovation initiative designed biotechnological interventions to address critical societal issues.
SPARSH revolves around nurturing "Social Innovators" within the biotech domain, equipped to identify community needs and gaps, and formulate innovative product developments or services to bridge these disparities.
Benefits
- Grant-in-aid assistance up to ₹50 lakh for a period of up to 18 months
Who is Eligible
• There are two components under the initiative – (i) Affordable Product Development and (ii) Social Innovation Immersion Program (SIIP).
• Startups and entrepreneurs are eligible for Category A under Component
Specific eligibility criteria include the following:
• Biotechnology Indian startups (less than 3 years old)
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – less than 3 years old
• Indian academic scientists, researchers etc.
How to Apply
Online
Step 1: Visit the official BIRAC website.
Step 2: Click on “Login/Register” on the website.
Step 3: If you are a new user, select “New User? Click Here to Register” and enter the required details.
Step 4: Complete the registration and activate your account through the verification email received from BIRAC.
Step 5: After activation, log in using your registered username and password.
Step 6: Check the SEED Fund section and identify the relevant BioNEST incubator through which the funding is offered.
Step 7: Contact/approach the eligible SEED Fund partner incubator and follow its application process.
Step 8: Submit the required startup details, documents, and proposal as instructed by the incubator/BIRAC.
Step 9: After submission, the proposal will be evaluated as per the applicable SEED Fund guidelines.
Documents Required
- Startup/Organisation Registration Certificate
- Detailed Project Proposal
- Applicant/Founder/Researcher Profile
- Business/Commercialisation Plan
- Budget and Financial Details
Who Is Not Eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the SPARSH Programme?
SPARSH (Social Innovation Programme for Products Affordable & Relevant to Social Health) supports innovators in developing affordable and relevant healthcare products and solutions for underserved communities.
- What is the main objective of SPARSH?
The programme aims to encourage social innovation in biotechnology and address critical societal and healthcare needs through innovative products and services.
- Who can apply under SPARSH?
Eligible applicants include Indian biotechnology startups, LLPs, and Indian academic scientists/researchers, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria.
- Can startups apply under SPARSH?
Yes. Indian biotechnology startups that are less than three years old can apply under the specified component and category.
- Can an LLP apply for the programme?
Yes. An Indian LLP that is less than three years old may be eligible, subject to the applicable criteria.
- Can academic scientists and researchers apply?
Yes. Indian academic scientists and researchers can apply under the applicable component of the programme.
- What are the components of SPARSH?
SPARSH has two components: Affordable Product Development and the Social Innovation Immersion Program (SIIP).
- What is Affordable Product Development?
It supports the development of affordable biotechnology-based products or solutions addressing important social and healthcare needs.
- What financial support is available?
Eligible applicants may receive grant-in-aid support of up to ₹50 lakh.
- How often are calls for applications announced?
Calls for Letter of Intent (LoI) are generally announced twice a year around identified thematic areas having high societal impact.
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