January 2026

When ConstraintsIgnite Creativity

By Jaideep Prabhu, Priyank Narayan & Mukesh Sud

Order Now
Published by Penguin Random House
LeanSpark - When Constraints Ignite Creativity
Launched At JLF
Jaipur Literature Festival
Official Launch Partner

January 15, 2026

+
+
The Concept

What is LEANSPARK?

It is the intentional spark of innovation that emerges under constraints.

The Framework

Four Key
Principles

01
Lean Execution
Build. Measure. Learn.

Lean Execution

LeanSpark solutions are grounded in structured experimentation, iterative testing and continuous learning.

02
Purposeful Simplicity
Less, but better.

Purposeful Simplicity

LeanSpark solutions prioritize essential features and eliminate unnecessary complexity, without compromising value or scalability.

03
Adaptive Scalability
Evolve with intent.

Adaptive Scalability

Solutions are designed to evolve and scale across diverse environments by flexibly adapting to new constraints or needs.

04
Systemic Sustainability
Root cause. Lasting impact.

Systemic Sustainability

LeanSpark ideas are powerful because they address root causes, minimize waste and create enduring value.

Your Innovation Blueprint

Frugal Innovation Canvas

A strategic framework to transform constraints into competitive advantages

Frugal Innovation Canvas - A strategic framework for lean innovation

This canvas helps you break down ideas into practical steps, identify the core problem, understand your audience, embrace constraints and craft lean solutions.

From key resources to revenue models and channels of delivery, each box nudges you to innovate under real-world pressures.

Start-up Founders
Social Entrepreneurs
Corporate Innovators

Turn limitations into launch pads

The Timing

Why Now?

In an age of climate crises, resource inequalities, digital disruption and geopolitical conflict, LeanSpark is a universal language of resilient ingenuity.

I

The central question facing India is this: How can it raise the standard of living for over half a billion people, given such profound resource limitations?

II

Even as investment flows into the country, the sheer scale of capital needed for full development is staggering.

III

Rather than throwing money at a problem, the smart way forward is frugal.

Innovation Under Constraint
Praise for the Book

Endorsements

What leading voices in business, academia, and innovation are saying about LeanSpark

SANJEEV BHIKCHANDANI

SANJEEV BHIKCHANDANI

Founder, Naukri.com; Founder and Trustee, Ashoka University

Tap to Read→

"LeanSpark applies to my day but is living, resource-aware endeavors with purposeful use towards to show the frugal innovators on offers guidance on transition from makeshift solutions to innovative approaches. It captures the spirit of Real India."

— SANJEEV BHIKCHANDANI

Founder, Naukri.com; Founder and Trustee, Ashoka University

R.A. MASHELKAR

R.A. MASHELKAR

Padma Vibhushan, FRS; Foreign Associate, National Academy of Engineering & World Academy of Art & Science

Tap to Read→

"India's journey to becoming a $5 trillion economy is fueled by youth and talent, and offers a powerful framework for policymakers, professionals in business, for whom the future of how India can transform its global role into force for good."

— R.A. MASHELKAR

Padma Vibhushan, FRS; Foreign Associate, National Academy of Engineering & World Academy of Art & Science

PRAMATH RAJ SINHA

PRAMATH RAJ SINHA

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ashoka University; Founding Dean, Indian School of Business

Tap to Read→

"LeanSpark resonates with individuals, consumers and global corporations. It starts with a mindset of achieving more using less—a value-adding framework which incorporates purposeful impact, scaling projects and proven tech. India's legacy of frugal innovation with cutting-edge technology."

— PRAMATH RAJ SINHA

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ashoka University; Founding Dean, Indian School of Business

DR YUSUF HAMIED

DR YUSUF HAMIED

Non-Executive Chairman of Cipla Ltd.

Tap to Read→

"India has both the opportunity and the responsibility to pioneer innovation that is affordable, scalable, and humane. LeanSpark captures this mission with clarity and conviction, combining rich stories with a thoughtful framework for action."

— DR YUSUF HAMIED

Non-Executive Chairman of Cipla Ltd.

The Brain and the Heart behind

Meet the Authors

Jaideep Prabhu

Jaideep Prabhu

Professor of Marketing

Cambridge University

Priyank Narayan

Priyank Narayan

Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship

Ashoka University

Mukesh Sud

Mukesh Sud

Professor of Entrepreneurship

IIM Ahmedabad

Participate and win

Win Big with LeanSpark

Showcase your frugal innovation skills and win exciting prizes

Active

The LeanSpark Story Challenge

Share Your Innovation Story

Share your (or someone else's with due credit) most creative low-cost, high-impact innovation that solves a real problem.

What You Win

  • One-to-one mentorship session with an author
  • A signed copy of the book
  • An invite to JLF 2026
  • A LinkedIn post by any of the authors
Open to All
Participate
Active

The Leanest Spark Contest

₹1,000 Challenge

If you had ₹1,000, which problem would you choose to solve and how?

What You Win

  • One-to-one mentorship session with an author
  • A signed copy of the book
  • An invite to JLF 2026
  • A LinkedIn post by any of the authors
Open to All
Participate