Igniting Purpose: The Vision and Mindset Driving Spark Labs 2.0
The prestigious inaugural ceremony of IIC Spark Labs 2.0 at the Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) was held on Monday, August 18, 2025. Building on the remarkable success of Spark Labs 1.0, this new cohort embarks on a journey that blends innovation, values, and societal impact. The program is designed not just to encourage technology and business ventures, but to emphasize applying knowledge for the welfare of society.
Innovation Anchored in Values and Service
The guiding philosophy of Spark!Labs 2.0 reflects the vision of the revered Founder Chancellor, Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Professor Pallav Kumar Barua, President of the Institutions Innovation Council (IIC), reminded participants that noble endeavors in Bharatiya tradition always draw inspiration from spiritual wisdom. Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, he stressed the philosophy of unity in diversity and unity of existence.
Innovation, he noted, is not an end in itself but a means to serve humanity and the environment. Professor B. Raghavendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor of SSSIHL, added that innovation begins “when curiosity meets courage and when ideas are pursued with purpose.” With the synergy between the IIC and the Sri Sathya Sai Research and Innovation Foundation, participants were assured that their ideas would move from ideation to implementation. Here, success is measured not in personal gain, but in selfless contribution and the joy created for others.
Spark!Labs 1.0: Where Values Met Vision
Reflecting on the first edition, Dr. Swetha T, Innovation Coordinator, described Spark Labs 1.0 as a program where values and vision aligned seamlessly. Rooted in the timeless principle Atmano Mokshartham Jagatahitayacha—for self-realization and the welfare of society—the initiative fostered purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
The outcomes were inspiring:
- One company incorporated and over 10 startups in the pipeline.
- Ideas spanned health tech, ed tech, food and nutrition, AI, and drones.
- The final pitching session secured funding commitments worth nearly ₹1.5 crore.
More importantly, Spark Labs 1.0 built “communities of execution” composed of mentors, trainers, alumni, and leaders who believe that innovation without values is never complete.
Innovation with Heart and Purpose
Delivering the keynote address, N Murthy, Country Leader for Greenway Health India, spoke on “Innovation with Heart and Purpose in a Modern, Fast-Paced World.” He urged participants not to chase speed or money blindly, but to pursue solutions with direction and purpose.
Murthy illustrated this with examples: the downfall of Quibi, which despite massive funding failed to solve real customer needs, versus the impact of Khan Academy and UPI, which transformed education and digital payments globally.
He emphasized that successful innovation must address four questions:
- Desirability – Do people want this solution?
- Feasibility – Can it realistically be built?
- Viability – Can it sustain financially?
- Societal Impact – What difference will it make to the world?
He also challenged participants to gain clarity on the problem they are solving, why it hasn’t been solved yet, and the unique value they bring. Execution, he stressed, requires being an obsessive problem solver, collaborating openly, relying on data, and avoiding bias-driven decisions.
Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset
The first training session was conducted by Mr. Ravikanth Jagarlapudi who outlined four essential founder traits summarized by the acronym PECC:
- Proactiveness & Passion – Founders must be strategic from day one, making decisions like company structure early.
- Energy – Maintaining consistent energy through setbacks, embracing the “fail fast, learn faster” philosophy.
- Curiosity – Continuously learning and adapting in a changing environment.
- Communication – Mastering networking, sales, and storytelling to connect with people and share ideas effectively.
He reminded participants that entrepreneurship is not a solitary pursuit; it thrives on community engagement and visibility, including sharing progress on platforms like LinkedIn.
The Road Ahead for SparkLabs 2.0
This year’s cohort includes 45 participants selected from over 75 applicants, bringing together Sai youth, alumni, and students from SSSIHL and VTU. The diversity of ideas spans health tech, ed tech, EVs, IoT drones, agri tech, socio tech, AI, and cybersecurity.
Participants are encouraged to be punctual, engaged, and uphold values of confidentiality and dignity. As the Vice-Chancellor aptly said, let the spark of innovation light the path ahead. The mantra for Spark Labs 2.0 is clear: innovation with integrity, creating impact.