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.\n<\/p>\n
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\u2019s growing innovation ecosystem.\n<\/p>\n
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.\n<\/p>\n
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Why This Programme Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.\n<\/p>\n 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.\n<\/p>\n The first cohort supported 185 founders across Nigeria\u2019s 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.\n<\/p>\n \u00a0\n<\/p>\n Programme Details<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Programme: iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Duration: 12 Weeks\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Programme Type: Startup Incubation, Entrepreneurship Development, Innovation and Business Growth\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Location: Nigeria (through regional innovation hubs)\n<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n What Participants Will Learn<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Successful participants will gain practical knowledge and support to:\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Validate customer problems and market opportunities\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Identify and understand target customers\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Test business assumptions using real user feedback<\/p>\n \u2022 Build, improve, or refine their MVP\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Develop sustainable business models\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Understand startup finance, operations, and pricing strategies\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Create investor-ready business plans\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Position their startups for growth and future investment<\/p>\n \u00a0\n<\/p>\n Benefits<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Participants will receive:\n<\/p>\n \u2022 A 12-week hands-on startup incubation programme\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Training delivered by experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts<\/p>\n \u2022 One-on-one mentorship from successful founders\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Access to Nigeria\u2019s innovation ecosystem and regional innovation hubs\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Networking opportunities with investors, founders, and ecosystem stakeholders\n<\/p>\n \u2022 NIOM funding support for early-stage startup development\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Performance-based access to additional funding opportunities<\/p>\n \u2022 Exposure to investors and strategic partners\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Pathways into advanced iDICE Startup Bridge programmes, including the Growth Lab\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Membership in a growing community of innovators and entrepreneurs\n<\/p>\n \u00a0\n<\/p>\n Eligibility Criteria<\/strong><\/p>\n Applicants must:\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Be Nigerian residents\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Be between 18 and 35 years old\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Have an innovative technology-driven solution\n<\/p>\n \u2022 Possess a startup idea, prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)<\/p>\n \u2022 Be passionate about solving real-world challenges through innovation\n<\/p>\n Female founders and innovators are strongly encouraged to apply.\n<\/p>\n