Nigeria’s push to strengthen its startup ecosystem is gaining momentum as applications for the first cohort of the iDICE Startup Bridge programme are now officially open.

The initiative, launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria, is designed to support early-stage founders with training, mentorship, grants, and equity investment aimed at accelerating innovation across the country’s technology and creative sectors.

A New Opportunity for Early-Stage Founders

The Startup Bridge operates under the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, a national initiative launched in 2023 with about $617 million in funding to grow Nigeria’s digital economy and support young entrepreneurs. 

The programme is implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and supported by development partners including the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank. 

Through the Startup Bridge, the government aims to create a structured pathway for innovators to turn ideas into scalable businesses.

Two Tracks Designed for Startup Growth

The programme features two main tracks, each targeting founders at different stages of building their startups.

1. Founders Lab

The Founders Lab is a 12-week capacity-building programme designed for idea-stage founders and early prototypes.

Participants will receive mentorship, startup training, and guidance on validating their ideas and building viable business models. At the end of the programme, the top 100 founders may receive grants of up to ₦10 million to support product development or launch their startups. 

Each cohort is expected to support about 250 participants annually through training and mentorship. 

2. Growth Lab

The second track, called Growth Lab, targets startups that have already built a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and are looking to scale.

Selected startups will receive up to $100,000 in equity investment, alongside support in governance, scaling operations, and preparing for larger fundraising rounds. 

Expanding Startup Opportunities Across Nigeria

Unlike many startup programmes that focus heavily on major tech hubs like Lagos and Abuja, the iDICE Startup Bridge aims to reach entrepreneurs across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The goal is to broaden Nigeria’s innovation pipeline and ensure that startup opportunities are accessible nationwide. 

Over time, the initiative is expected to support hundreds of startups, helping founders transition from ideas to investable companies.

Why This Matters

Nigeria has one of Africa’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, but early-stage founders often struggle to access funding, mentorship, and structured support.

Programmes like iDICE aim to bridge that gap by combining:

• Capacity building
• Early-stage grants
• Equity investment
• Access to institutional investors

If successfully implemented, the programme could significantly strengthen Nigeria’s pipeline of venture-ready startups.

Application Deadline: April 20, 2026