Spark Seed is now open for applications
Application deadline Wed 21st October 2026
We’re delighted to share that applications for the next round of Spark Seed are now open and the HSE Spark Innovation team would love to hear your ideas.
Spark Seed provides skills training, micro‑funding of up to €5000 euro and structured support to help frontline staff develop and prototype early‑stage ideas. Whether your concept is just forming or ready to be tested, Spark Seed offers a simple pathway to explore it within your local setting. The initiative helps you turn instinct into a real, tested innovation, and each cycle, several projects are selected to move forward with support.
The Spark team welcome applications from across the HSE and Section 38 services, including:
· Doctors (NCHDs and consultants)
· Nurses and midwives
· Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs)
· Pharmacists
If you’ve applied before, you’re very welcome to apply again with a new idea. Some of the strongest projects come from revisiting and refining a spark of an idea.
Key Dates
· Application deadline: Wednesday October 21st at 11:59pm
· Shortlisting begins: Thursday October 22nd
· Shortlisting outcomes: Friday October 30th
· Pitch video submission: Wednesday November 25th
· Pitching week: Week commencing Monday November 30thth
· Notification of successful outcome: Monday 7th December
Apply here
https://surveys.hse.ie/t/SparkSeedQ3ApplicationForm2026/
If you’re thinking about applying but aren’t sure where to start, we encourage you to:
· Explore the Spark Seed guidance document at Spark Seed Guide 2026
· Attend a Design Thinking Workshop, book via Design Thinking Workshop
Email [email protected]
We truly believe that great ideas already exist within our services - this is about giving you the support to bring them to life.
HSE Spark Innovation Programme
National Office of Frontline Innovation and Simulation | Sancton Wood Building |
Heuston South Quarter | Saint John’s Road West | Dublin 8 | D08 TPX9
