SPARSH (Social Innovation program for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health)

Brief

SPARSH (Social Innovation Programme for Products: Affordable and Relevant to Societal Health) is the Social Innovation Programme of BIRAC aimed at promoting the development of innovative solutions to society’s most pressing social problems through biotechnological approaches. Since its inception, the program has been investing in high impact ideas and innovations that could address unmet needs and challenges that are neglected.

Eligibility

• Biotechnology Indian startups that are incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, having a minimum of 51% Indian Ownership and less than three years old from the date of advertisement/Indian entrepreneurs.
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) that is incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, less than three years old from the date of advertisement and having a minimum half of the individuals who have subscribed for LLP document, whose partners have to be Indian citizens.
• Indian Academic Scientists, PhDs, Researchers, Medical Degree Holders, Biomedical Engineering graduates who are willing to incubate in a business incubator.
• Proprietorship concern that is set up by an Indian citizen under the certificate/license that is issued by municipal authorities/under Shop and Establishment Act or relevant prominence.

Fund / quantum

• The total budget allocated for SPARSH depends on the annual budgetary allocations of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). However, it typically falls within the range of Rs. 100 crores to Rs. 200 crores per year. The specific funding allocated to each project depends on its scope, technical feasibility, and potential impact.

Tenure

• Active

Benefit tags

• Infrastructure

• SPARSH offers several benefits to innovators and entrepreneurs working on relevant healthcare solutions.
• Mentorship and Guidance : Access to expert mentors and advisors from diverse fields like healthcare, technology, business, and marketing.
• Networking Opportunities : Connection with potential investors, partners, and stakeholders within the healthcare ecosystem.
• Market Access Support : Assistance in navigating regulatory hurdles and finding pathways to reach target markets.
• Brand Recognition and Credibility : Being selected for SPARSH funding enhances a project's reputation and attracts further investment opportunities.

• Biotechnology Indian startups that are incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, having a minimum of 51% Indian Ownership and less than three years old from the date of advertisement/Indian entrepreneurs.

• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) that is incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, less than three years old from the date of advertisement and having a minimum half of the individuals who have subscribed for LLP document, whose partners have to be Indian citizens.

• Indian Academic Scientists, PhDs, Researchers, Medical Degree Holders, Biomedical Engineering graduates who are willing to incubate in a business incubator.

• Proprietorship concern that is set up by an Indian citizen under the certificate/license that is issued by municipal authorities/under Shop and Establishment Act or relevant prominence.

• The total budget allocated for SPARSH depends on the annual budgetary allocations of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). However, it typically falls within the range of Rs. 100 crores to Rs. 200 crores per year. The specific funding allocated to each project depends on its scope, technical feasibility, and potential impact.

• Active

Online / portal

See the Startup India schemes directory for application steps.

https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/government-schemes.html