The iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab is a 12-week capacity-building programme designed for early-stage founders to guide them through the initial structured steps of building a digital or technical business. It is tailored for individuals at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, whether starting with an idea, a prototype, or an early MVP. The programme emphasizes a 'learning by doing' approach, assisting founders in transitioning from an idea to a more defined product and business plan, with integrated funding to support their progress.
Target Audience
Founders Lab is specifically designed for founders who meet the following profile:
• Possess an idea or a prototype for a business.
• Are interested in building a digital or technology-focused enterprise.
• Have intentions to operate their business within Nigeria.
• Seek to gain a deeper understanding of their market, customers, and business model.
• Are prepared to commit significant time and effort to a structured learning and execution process.
Program Objectives
The programme is structured to support founders through the critical early stages of business development, focusing on several key areas:
• Transforming an initial idea into a clearly defined problem and solution.
• Validating business concepts with real customers to confirm market need.
• Designing or enhancing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or early product version.
• Developing a simple, practical, and effective business model.
• Creating an initial business plan and a roadmap for execution.
• Understanding fundamental business operations, including pricing and cost structures.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
• The business must be at the idea or market validation stage.
• The business must plan to operate from any of the 36 states in Nigeria, including the FCT Abuja.
• The founder must be between the ages of 18 and 35.
• Must be able to commit to the full 12-week structured programme.
• Must be willing to actively participate in all learning sessions, assignments, evaluations, and Demo Day activities.
Programme Structure and Delivery
The 12-week programme guides entrepreneurs through the foundational stages of building a startup. Over the course, founders are supported to:
• Clarify the problem they are solving and their target audience.
• Test their core assumptions with real users and customers.
• Design, build, or improve an MVP or prototype.
• Develop a simple and realistic business model.
• Understand basic operations, pricing, and costs.
• Construct a clear and practical business plan.
• Prepare for the next stage of growth or support.
Learning is delivered through a blended model:
• Structured online learning sessions.
• Practical assignments applied directly to each founder’s business.
• Support from mentors and ecosystem experts.
• Peer-to-peer learning and feedback sessions.
• Group sessions held at selected partner hubs.
Funding Mechanism
Funding is a core component of the programme, designed to enable execution rather than substitute for it. Access to funding is earned through active participation, demonstrated performance, and measurable progress. Participants who successfully complete all requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to ₦7,000,000 to support their business launch, subject to final evaluation and alignment with iDICE investment criteria. The funding process is staged:
• Stage 1 - Founders Lab Completion Grant: Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme may become eligible to apply for available builder grants, conditional upon meeting all criteria and a satisfactory progress assessment.
• Stage 2 - Demo Day for Outstanding Ideas: Founders demonstrating exceptional progress may be selected to pitch at a Founders Lab Demo Day, making them eligible for additional grant support to accelerate their MVP development.
• Stage 3 - National Startup Bridge Demo Day: At the end of the year, startups with clear proof of growth and traction may be invited to pitch on a national stage for additional funding, broader ecosystem exposure, and scaling support.
Programme Benefits
Participants in the iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab will gain access to a range of resources and opportunities, including:
• Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage business execution.
• A structured, founder-focused curriculum.
• Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts.
• A community for peer learning and founder support.
• Access to regional hubs and extensive support networks.
• Performance-based access to funding opportunities.
• Clear pathways to further iDICE Startup Bridge support, such as the Growth Lab.
Program Philosophy
The programme's focus is on setting the right foundation for building a sustainable business.
What Founders Lab Is:
• A structured learning and execution programme.
• Designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs take their first serious step.
• Focused on building viable, real-world businesses.
What Founders Lab Is Not:
• A guaranteed funding programme.
• A shortcut to scaling a business.
• A pitch competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Founders Lab? It is the early-stage capacity-building track under iDICE Startup Bridge for idea-stage and Pre-MVP founders, focusing on business model validation and execution discipline.
• Who is it for? The lab is for idea-stage founders building tech-enabled or digital enterprises who are seeking structured support.
• Is funding guaranteed? No, funding is performance-based and eligibility does not guarantee an award.
• What type of funding is available? Participants who complete all requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to ₦7,000,000 to support their business launch.
• Does the programme take equity? No, all funding provided through Founders Lab is non-equity based.
• What determines funding eligibility? Eligibility is assessed on programme participation, milestone completion, business viability, execution readiness, and compliance with documentation.
• How long is the programme? Each cohort runs for 12 weeks and includes mandatory physical sessions at designated hubs.
• What are the expected outcomes? Founders should have a validated problem-solution fit, a defined target market, an MVP or product roadmap, financial projections, and an execution plan.
• Is the programme virtual or physical? It is a hybrid model, including mostly virtual sessions along with some physical workshops at partner hubs.
• What happens after Founders Lab? High-performing startups may progress to other structured funding pathways like the Growth Lab, based on their readiness.
This initiative offers a structured pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable businesses with expert guidance and performance-based financial support. Founders who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to consider applying through the official channels, where applications undergo a multi-stage screening and validation process.