Applications are now open for the 2026 iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2, a 12-week startup incubation and capacity-building programme designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable and scalable businesses.
Implemented under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Startup Bridge initiative, the Founders Lab provides aspiring entrepreneurs with practical business training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The programme is targeted at founders with innovative ideas, prototypes, or Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) who are ready to build sustainable, technology-driven businesses capable of solving real-world challenges.
Why This Programme Matters
Building a successful startup requires more than a great idea. Entrepreneurs need the right skills, mentorship, market validation, funding opportunities, and access to strategic networks.
The iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab is designed to bridge these gaps by helping founders validate their ideas, develop strong business models, refine their products, and prepare for future investment opportunities.
The first cohort supported 185 founders across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT through a network of 49 innovation hubs. Cohort 2 aims to empower even more entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to build impactful ventures.
Programme Details
• Programme: iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2
• Duration: 12 Weeks
• Programme Type: Startup Incubation, Entrepreneurship Development, Innovation and Business Growth
• Location: Nigeria (through regional innovation hubs)
What Participants Will Learn
Successful participants will gain practical knowledge and support to:
• Validate customer problems and market opportunities
• Identify and understand target customers
• Test business assumptions using real user feedback
• Build, improve, or refine their MVP
• Develop sustainable business models
• Understand startup finance, operations, and pricing strategies
• Create investor-ready business plans
• Position their startups for growth and future investment
Benefits
Participants will receive:
• A 12-week hands-on startup incubation programme
• Training delivered by experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts
• One-on-one mentorship from successful founders
• Access to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and regional innovation hubs
• Networking opportunities with investors, founders, and ecosystem stakeholders
• NIOM funding support for early-stage startup development
• Performance-based access to additional funding opportunities
• Exposure to investors and strategic partners
• Pathways into advanced iDICE Startup Bridge programmes, including the Growth Lab
• Membership in a growing community of innovators and entrepreneurs
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
• Be Nigerian residents
• Be between 18 and 35 years old
• Have an innovative technology-driven solution
• Possess a startup idea, prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Be passionate about solving real-world challenges through innovation
Female founders and innovators are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
• 26 July 2026
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants can submit their applications through the official programme portal: