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Startup-specific scheme · Department of Biotechnology (DBT) / BIRAC

Social Innovation Programme for Products Affordable & Relevant to Social Health (SPARSH)

ActiveChecked 3 October 2026

No change found in Oct 2026 checks; terms as per the June 2026 playbook. Confirm the current call/window on the official link before applying.

Amount
Grant up to ₹50 lakh
Type of support
Grant
Best for
Ideation, Prototype / PoC
Who can apply
Early-stage startups, Researchers
Go to the official portalSource: DPIIT playbook p. 47

The SPARSH programme supports innovators in developing affordable health-related solutions so that essential healthcare products can reach and benefit underserved communities.

Who can apply?
  • 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 I. 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.
What do you get?
  • Grant-in-aid assistance up to ₹50 lakh for a period of up to 18 months.
How to apply

The call for Letter of Intent (LoI) is announced twice a year on a thematic area with high societal impact The LoI is to be submitted online on the BIRAC website: https://www.birac.nic.in/

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.

Key links

Deadlines, amounts and windows change. Check the official portal before you apply.

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