SPARC-AI Fellowship 2026: Empowering Rural Women Through Artificial Intelligence

Overview

The SPARC-AI Fellowship is a 12-month programme designed to bridge the digital divide by bringing practical artificial intelligence knowledge and technology to underserved communities in India, particularly women involved in Self-Help Groups. Early-career professionals are placed in an assigned parliamentary constituency to live and work alongside a Member of Parliament and district administration officials, helping women understand and adopt AI-powered tools to improve their businesses and increase economic independence. The implementation model spans three distinct phases beginning with a research and listening period, moving into building and training through AI task cards and instructional videos, and concluding with iteration, improvement, and initiating community-led implementation.

Who can apply

Applicants should be motivated early-career professionals, ideally between 23 and 30 years old, who are passionate about technology, community development, women’s economic empowerment, and rural livelihoods. Women candidates and applicants originating from the constituencies or regions where the programme operates are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates must hold both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, or be completing a master’s degree by the fellowship commencement date, in any academic discipline. Essential criteria include previous field experience working with communities through an NGO, fellowship, research initiative, or government programme. Applicants must be fluent in speaking and writing the local language of the assigned constituency, possess strong written communication skills in English and the relevant local language, and demonstrate emotional intelligence, active listening skills, and the ability to establish trust with rural women. Additional advantages include experience conducting surveys and field research, the ability to record and edit short instructional videos using a smartphone, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, an interest in exploring AI tools, and familiarity with Self-Help Groups, rural enterprises, and community development initiatives.

What you get

Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of 40,000 INR for the duration of the 12-month fellowship. Local field travel expenses are covered by the Member of Parliament's office up to a pre-agreed amount based on placement requirements. Participants gain comprehensive AI training, practical experience deploying AI solutions in rural communities, direct engagement with lawmakers and district officials, and practical exposure to field research and programme implementation. Fellows also produce research reports and published outputs, join a national fellowship cohort with access to mentors, and receive professional references from Swaniti and the respective Member of Parliament's office upon successful completion.

Requirements

Participants must be willing to relocate to the assigned parliamentary constituency and undertake full-time residence there, as the role involves regular village visits, Self-Help Group meetings, and engagement with district offices. Fellows must be prepared to conduct field travel throughout the 12-month programme and adapt to independent thinking, humility, and feedback during all implementation phases.