SPARC-AI Fellowship: Bringing Artificial Intelligence to India’s Last-Mile Communities

SPARC-AI Fellowship: Bringing Artificial Intelligence to India’s Last-Mile Communities

SPARC-AI is inviting applications from early-career professionals interested in using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities in rural communities. The 12-month fellowship aims to bridge the gap between rapid AI development and communities that have limited access to emerging technologies, particularly women involved in Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

The programme focuses on India’s last-mile villages, where women operate small businesses and income-generating activities but may not yet have the knowledge or resources to benefit from AI tools.

Selected fellows will live and work in an assigned parliamentary constituency alongside a Member of Parliament (MP). Their primary responsibility will be to help women in Self-Help Groups understand and use AI tools to improve their businesses, strengthen productivity and increase their incomes.

The fellowship combines practical AI training, community engagement, field research and programme implementation. It aims to equip young professionals with relevant skills for the changing world of work while ensuring rural communities are not left behind in the AI revolution.

About the SPARC-AI Fellowship

The SPARC-AI Fellowship is a 12-month, field-based programme that places selected participants within parliamentary constituencies.

Fellows will work closely with MPs, district administrations, SHG federations and rural women to identify opportunities where AI can make everyday business activities easier and more effective.

The programme does not require applicants to have advanced technical or programming skills. Instead, it seeks individuals who are curious about AI, willing to learn and able to translate technology into practical solutions for communities.

Throughout the fellowship, participants will receive expert AI training and gain hands-on experience introducing AI tools to women-led businesses. They will also document their findings, assess the effectiveness of interventions and contribute to published research outputs.

Fellowship Benefits and Compensation

The SPARC-AI Fellowship provides a monthly stipend of ₹40,000, equivalent to approximately US$423 per month, based on the exchange rate on 5 November 2026. The USD equivalent may fluctuate with currency exchange rates.

Over the 12-month programme, this represents approximately US$5,076 in total stipend payments, using the same indicative exchange rate.

Participants will also gain several professional development opportunities:

• Practical AI training: Expert-led training at the beginning of the programme and continued learning throughout the year.
• Direct engagement with public leadership: Opportunities to work alongside a Member of Parliament and interact with district administration officials.
• Field research experience: Practical experience conducting surveys, interviews and community assessments.
• Published research outputs: Opportunities to document findings and contribute to written outputs based on field experience.
• Professional mentorship: Membership in a national cohort and access to a network of mentors.
• Professional references: A reference from Swaniti and the MP’s office at the end of the fellowship.

The experience is designed to develop two increasingly valuable capabilities: practical knowledge of AI tools and the ability to implement programmes that respond to real community needs.

Key Responsibilities and Programme Phases

The fellowship is divided into three phases, each focusing on a different stage of community engagement and implementation.

Phase 1: Listen and Learn (Months 1–3)

During the first three months, fellows will focus on understanding the experiences, businesses and challenges of women in Self-Help Groups.

They will engage with district officials and SHG federations, conduct surveys and carry out in-depth interviews with women involved in income-generating activities.

The information gathered will help fellows identify challenges faced by rural women and determine where AI tools could improve their businesses.

Participants will prepare a report documenting livelihoods, existing business activities and potential opportunities for AI adoption.

Phase 2: Build and Train (Months 4–7)

The second phase will focus on transforming research findings into practical learning materials and community training activities.

Fellows will develop simple AI task cards explaining how women can use AI tools in their businesses. They will also create short instructional videos using smartphones.

Another important responsibility will be training local women as Saathis. These women will support and guide members of their respective Self-Help Groups in learning and applying AI tools.

Phase 3: Iterate, Improve and Initiate (Months 8–12)

The final phase will focus on assessing how effectively women are using AI tools in their daily activities.

Fellows will conduct home visits, gather feedback and identify challenges that may prevent women from adopting the technology successfully.

Based on these observations, they will recommend improvements and refine the programme’s approach. They will also support the transition of programme activities to the local community to encourage ownership and long-term sustainability.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for early-career professionals, ideally between 23 and 30 years old, who are interested in AI, community development and rural livelihoods.

Applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, or be completing a master’s degree by the fellowship start date. Applicants from any academic discipline may apply.
• Have demonstrable field experience working with communities through a fellowship, NGO, research project or government programme.
• Be fluent in the spoken and written local language of the assigned constituency.
• Demonstrate strong writing skills in English and the relevant local language.
• Have good interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills, including the ability to listen, build trust and work comfortably with women in rural communities.
• Be willing to live in the assigned parliamentary constituency for the full 12 months and travel within the area.

The following experience and skills will be an added advantage:

• Experience conducting surveys, interviews or field research.
• Ability to record and edit short videos using a smartphone.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Curiosity about AI tools and some experience using them.
• Familiarity with Self-Help Groups, rural enterprises or livelihood programmes.

Women and candidates who come from the constituencies or regions they would serve are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location and Working Arrangements

Selected fellows will be based in their assigned parliamentary constituencies, generally working across one or two focus blocks.

The position requires full-time residence in the assigned constituency for the entire 12-month period. Fellows will regularly engage with villages, attend SHG meetings and coordinate with district offices.

Local travel requirements will be communicated for each placement. The MP’s office will cover local travel expenses up to a pre-agreed amount.

Participants will also have designated points of contact at Swaniti Initiative – the Meridian Collective and within the MP’s office to provide guidance and support.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of three stages:

• Application review: