Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH)
SPARSH by BIRAC provides fellowships and kick-start grants up to ₹5L for social innovation in biotechnology. Open to Indian citizens below 35.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- BIRAC (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
SPARSH (Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health) is an initiative by BIRAC to foster social innovation in biotechnology. The program supports individuals in developing affordable and relevant solutions for societal health challenges. It offers fellowships and kick-start grants, with funding starting from ₹5 lakh. The program aims to nurture young innovators who can create impactful biotech products.
Highlights
- Program by BIRAC to foster social innovation in biotechnology
- Funding starts from ₹5 lakh as grants and fellowships
- Open only to Indian citizens below 35 years of age
- Fellows must be hosted at a BIRAC-supported SPARSH Centre
- Focus on affordable and relevant solutions for societal health
Who can apply
The SPARSH program is open only to Indian citizens. Fellows must be undergraduates, postgraduates, or PhDs below the age of 35. Additionally, fellows need to be hosted at a BIRAC-supported SPARSH Centre. Startups or companies are not directly eligible; the focus is on individual innovators.
Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH) accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
SPARSH provides fellowships and kick-start grants to support the development of affordable and relevant biotechnology solutions. The funding starts from ₹5 lakh. Recipients gain access to BIRAC's network and support ecosystem.
About the provider
Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH) is offered by BIRAC, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH), keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SPARSH program?
SPARSH is a social innovation program by BIRAC that provides fellowships and kick-start grants to individuals developing affordable and relevant biotech solutions for societal health.
How much funding is offered?
Funding starts from ₹5 lakh. The program offers grants and fellowships, but no maximum amount is specified in the provided information.
Who can apply for SPARSH?
Only Indian citizens who are undergraduates, postgraduates, or PhDs below the age of 35 are eligible. Additionally, applicants must be hosted at a BIRAC-supported SPARSH Centre.
Is there an application deadline?
The application deadline is not specified. You should check the BIRAC website for current calls under SPARSH.
Does the program take equity?
No, the program provides grants and fellowships, which are non-dilutive and do not require giving up equity.
What documents are needed to apply?
The specific documents required are not listed. Apply online through the BIRAC portal, and the application form will likely specify the necessary documents.
What are the focus areas of SPARSH?
SPARSH focuses on social innovation in biotechnology, particularly affordable and relevant solutions for societal health.
How do I apply for SPARSH?
Visit the BIRAC website at https://www.birac.nic.in/, look for calls under SPARSH, and apply online through the BIRAC portal.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not mentioned as a requirement. The program is for individual innovators, not businesses.
Who offers Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH)?
Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health (SPARSH) is offered by BIRAC, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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