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Spark Seed - micro-funding and design tools to start a project

Spark Seed enables frontline healthcare workers to apply for micro funding (up to €3,000 per individual or group) for innovative projects that have the potential to improve our health service.

We welcome ideas from doctors (NCHDs and consultants), nurses, midwives and HSCPs. All previous applicants may apply with new or revised innovation projects.

How to apply

Spark Seed is open all year round for applications. Every few months, the Spark team will review project ideas, carry out shortlisting and determine which projects are brought forward to the next stage.

The shortlisting dates for 2024 (all applications in that period to be analysed) are as follows:

  • 14th July 2024
  • 30 August 2024
  • 1 November 2024
  1. Apply online with a problem you have encountered in your workplace and a potential solution. You do not need to have a fully thought-out solution in order to apply.
  2. Attend Spark Design Thinking Introduction workshops parts 1 and 2. We highly recommend booking into a workshop as soon as you apply. You can attend a workshop before knowing the shortlisting outcome.
  3. Opportunity to pitch for Spark support to a panel of experts (the pitch session for that round will be approximately four weeks after the shortlisting date).

@Spark Innovation Programme

Spark Seed goes green

Throughout March 2024, our most popular initiative, 'Spark Seed', is going green. Though always a key consideration for all of our funding initiatives, sustainability will take centre stage in March as we seek out creative and innovative ways in which we can positively impact sustainability and decrease our carbon footprint across the health service.

Individuals or groups can apply for funding of up to €10,000 to support innovative projects to enhance our health service and make it more sustainable.

Spark Seed goes green application form

Closes: 29 March at 5pm

Contact

spark@hse.ie

Related documents

Spark Seed leaflet (PDF, 232 KB, 1 page)

Spark Seed poster (PDF, 271 KB, 1 page)