Department of Biotechnology (DBT) / BIRAC

SPARSH – Social Innovation Programme for Products Affordable & Relevant to Social Health

GRANTSTARTUP-SPECIFIC

Stage: Ideation to validation
Indicative amount: Up to ₹50 lakh

Note

Still on BIRAC's official programme menu, but the most recent specific call I could find dates to 2019. Treat as structurally active but possibly dormant — confirm directly with BIRAC before publishing an apply CTA.

What it is for

Supports biotech innovators developing affordable, socially relevant healthcare products for underserved populations.

Who can apply

Startups and innovators developing affordable products for priority public-health and social needs.

What you get

Grant funding up to ₹50 lakh (subject to call guidelines), plus mentoring and clinical/rural immersion.

How to apply

Submit a proposal during an open SPARSH call — confirm one is running before applying.

Best suited for

A social-impact biotech innovator working on affordable healthcare — verify an open call first.

Official links

BIRAC — SPARSH https://birac.nic.in/siip.php

Summarised from official sources, last reviewed 2026-09-07. Amounts and eligibility are indicative — always confirm against the live scheme guideline before acting. This entry is flagged for early re-verification.