Spark Impact 2026 has launched!
Spark Impact is an initiative that empowers healthcare professionals to make a real difference by driving frontline innovation. Offering funding opportunities ranging from €5,000 to €90,000, Spark Impact supports the transformation of innovative ideas into impactful healthcare solutions.
Spark Impact is seeking project ideas that:
- Address an unmet need
- Are novel and innovative
- Have impact
- Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration
- Have potential to transfer and scale
- Provide a return on investment
Frontline healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, midwives, health & social care professionals, and pharmacists—are invited to submit project proposals that address key challenges in areas such as:
- AI and Automation
- Cancer Services
- Children’s Health
- Climate Change & Sustainability
- Disability Services
- Pharmacy-Led Projects
- Human Rights, Equality and Social Inclusion
- Mental Health
- Preventative Health & Wellbeing
- Older Persons’ Services
- Primary / Community Care
- Productivity and Efficiency
- Sepsis
- Urgent & Emergency Care / Patient Flow
- Waiting List Initiatives / Scheduled Care
- Women’s Health
Whether at the concept stage, piloting a new initiative, or ready for implementation, all ideas are welcome.
Why Apply?
- Access funding tailored to the project’s needs
- Lead a healthcare innovation project with the potential to make a real difference to healthcare delivery
- Showcase the project through promotional channels and potentially qualify for a Bright Spark National Innovation Award
Key Dates to Remember
- November 3rd: Applications Open
- November 20th: Information Webinar
- November 24th: Information Webinar for Pharmacists
- December 10th & 17th: Design Thinking Workshops
- January 4th, 2026: Application Deadline
- Week commencing February 9th, 2026: Pitching Event for shortlisted applicants
Further Information
Visit http://www.hse.ie/spark to:
- Read the detailed applicant guide and access the online application form
- Register for one of the upcoming Design Thinking Workshops (attendance at one of these sessions, or previous participation, is mandatory to be eligible to apply)
- Register for the general information webinar
- Register for the bespoke webinar for pharmacists
- View a short video series on how to stress-test an innovation idea
Don’t miss this opportunity to drive meaningful change in Irish healthcare!