Most varieties of potato are treated to inhibit sprouting, especially during transport and ultimate sale to the consumer.
I recall a school science project with sweet potatoes , despite the anti-sprout treatment, which involved a drinking glass, water, three toothpicks, and a sweet potato.
The sweet potato is quite fibrous, and will take quite a bit of abuse before rotting; so impale the sweet potato with the three toothpicks, evenly spaced ,
preferably with a potato 'eye' on top. The 'eye' will determine where the sprout will occur .
Place the potato so that the toothpicks will support it on the rim of the drinking glass, and fill the glass with water, so that 2/3 of the potato is below the waterline.
Place in a sunny window and sprouts should form at an "eye" in about 2 weeks , depending on maintaining water level in the glass, and the amount of sunshine.
This is fine for just a couple of sweet potatoes, but what if you want many ? I would use a rubbermaid tray , or a baking sheet with water.
Been there and done that these just did not spout. The agriculture depart here will have some sets in a week or so. I’ll just buy them