Introduction:The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has announced the SAATHI 2026 Programme, inviting applications from innovators developing impactful solutions for pressing social and developmental challenges across India.
SAATHI is designed to identify, support and accelerate grassroots innovators, early-stage entrepreneurs, researchers and social enterprises working on innovative solutions with the potential to create measurable social impact. Through mentoring, ecosystem support and access to innovation resources, the programme aims to help promising ideas progress towards sustainable implementation and scale.
Individuals, startups, academic institutions, innovators and social enterprises with transformative ideas are encouraged to submit their applications before the 15 July 2026 deadline.
About C-CAMP
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) is one of India’s premier life sciences innovation and entrepreneurship hubs established with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
C-CAMP supports innovation through incubation, entrepreneurship development, technology translation, funding facilitation, mentoring and commercialization support. Over the years, the organization has helped numerous startups and innovators transform scientific research into practical solutions benefiting society.
About C-CAMP SAATHI 2026: National Call for Grassroots and Social Innovations
SAATHI is a national initiative aimed at nurturing innovations that address real-world problems affecting communities across India.
The programme seeks innovative solutions capable of improving lives through affordable, scalable and sustainable technologies while encouraging inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rather than only providing recognition, SAATHI offers innovators an opportunity to receive expert guidance, mentoring and access to C-CAMP’s innovation ecosystem to further develop their ideas.
Objectives of the Programme
The SAATHI programme aims to:
- Promote grassroots and inclusive innovation.
- Support innovative solutions addressing social challenges.
- Strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem.
- Encourage entrepreneurship with measurable social impact.
- Help innovators move from concept to implementation.
- Facilitate collaborations with experts, mentors and ecosystem partners.
- Enable scalable solutions capable of benefiting communities across the country.
Priority Areas of C-CAMP SAATHI 2026
Applications are expected from innovators working across sectors including, but not limited to:
- Healthcare
- Public Health
- Biotechnology
- Agriculture
- Food Security
- Rural Development
- Water and Sanitation
- Climate Change
- Environmental Sustainability
- Livelihood Enhancement
- Women Empowerment
- Education
- Assistive Technologies
- Affordable Technologies
- Community Development
- Inclusive Innovation
Interdisciplinary innovations addressing multiple development challenges are also encouraged.
Who Can Apply?
Depending on the official programme guidelines, eligible applicants may include:
- Individual Innovators
- Researchers
- Scientists
- Students
- Academic Institutions
- Startups
- Early-stage Companies
- Social Enterprises
- Grassroots Innovators
- Technology Developers
- Innovation Teams
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility criteria before submitting their applications.
Programme Benefits
Selected innovators may receive support such as:
Expert Mentorship
Guidance from domain experts, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and innovation specialists.
Innovation Support
Access to C-CAMP’s innovation ecosystem and technical expertise.
Networking Opportunities
Interaction with investors, researchers, incubators, industry partners and ecosystem stakeholders.
Capacity Building
Support in refining business models, technology validation and commercialization strategies.
Visibility
Opportunity to showcase innovative solutions before experts and potential collaborators.
Ecosystem Access
Connection to national innovation networks that can accelerate product development and scale.
Why Apply?
Participating in SAATHI can help innovators:
- Validate innovative ideas.
- Improve technology readiness.
- Receive structured mentoring.
- Build strategic partnerships.
- Strengthen commercialization plans.
- Expand market opportunities.
- Increase social impact.
- Access future funding opportunities.
Selection Process
Applications are expected to undergo a structured evaluation process based on factors such as:
- Innovation and originality
- Technical feasibility
- Social relevance
- Potential impact
- Scalability
- Sustainability
- Team capability
- Problem-solving approach
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further evaluation, presentations or interactions with expert panels.
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Currently Open |
| Application Deadline | 15 July 2026 |
| Programme Selection | As per official schedule |
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
How to Apply for C-CAMP SAATHI 2026:
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official SAATHI programme webpage.
- Carefully review the programme guidelines.
- Verify eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the application before 15 July 2026.
Applicants should retain copies of all submitted documents for future reference.
Tips for Applicants
To improve the quality of your application:
- Clearly define the problem being addressed.
- Demonstrate the uniqueness of your innovation.
- Explain the expected social impact.
- Provide evidence of feasibility.
- Highlight scalability.
- Include measurable outcomes where possible.
- Ensure all information is complete and accurate.
Official Website
Applicants should always refer to the official programme page for complete guidelines, eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Click here for Official Website
Related Resources
Explore additional funding and NGO resources on NGOportal:
- Related NGO Resources
- You may also find these resources useful:
- NGO Database
- Funding for NGOs
- Funds for Indian NGOs
- NGO Jobs
- NGO Management Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C-CAMP SAATHI 2026?
SAATHI is a national programme by C-CAMP supporting innovators developing solutions for important social and developmental challenges.
Who can apply?
The programme is intended for eligible innovators, startups, researchers, institutions and social enterprises as specified in the official guidelines.
What sectors are supported?
Healthcare, agriculture, biotechnology, climate, education, rural development, sustainability and several other social innovation sectors.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15 July 2026.
Does the programme provide mentoring?
Yes. Selected innovators receive mentoring and support through C-CAMP’s innovation ecosystem.
Where can I apply?
Applications should be submitted through the official C-CAMP SAATHI webpage.
Conclusion: The C-CAMP SAATHI 2026 Programme represents an excellent opportunity for innovators committed to solving real-world challenges through technology and social innovation. By combining expert mentorship, ecosystem support and opportunities for collaboration, SAATHI helps promising ideas move closer to practical implementation and wider impact.
Innovators working on scalable, inclusive and sustainable solutions are encouraged to review the official guidelines and submit their applications before 15 July 2026.