Applications are open for the iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab Cohort 2, a 12-week capacity-building and incubation programme designed for early-stage entrepreneurs. Implemented under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Startup Bridge initiative, the program assists founders in transforming innovative ideas into viable, scalable businesses. It provides a structured pathway for those at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey whether starting with an idea, a prototype, or an early MVP, offering guidance and practical support to build a digital or technical enterprise. The curriculum focuses on learning by doing, helping founders progress from an idea to a defined product and business plan, with integrated funding to support their development.
Program 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)
Target Audience
• Founders with an innovative idea, prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Individuals interested in building a sustainable, technology-driven business.
• Entrepreneurs with plans to operate in Nigeria.
• Founders seeking to better understand their market, customers, and business model.
• Individuals ready to commit time and effort to a structured learning and execution program.
Program Objectives and Curriculum
• Turn an idea into a clear problem and solution.
• Validate customer problems and market opportunities by testing assumptions with real users.
• Identify and understand target customers.
• Design, build, improve, or refine an MVP or prototype.
• Develop a simple, practical, and sustainable business model.
• Understand startup finance, basic operations, pricing, and costs.
• Create an initial, investor-ready business plan and execution roadmap.
• Prepare for the next stage of growth, support, and future investment.
Program Structure and Delivery
• Structured Online Sessions: Core learning is delivered through a series of online modules.
• Practical Assignments: Participants apply learnings directly to their own business concepts.
• Mentor and Ecosystem Support: Access to guidance from experienced professionals.
• Peer Learning and Feedback: Collaborative environment with fellow founders.
• Group Sessions: In-person or virtual sessions held at selected regional innovation hubs.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicants must be Nigerian residents.
• Age requirement is between 18 and 35 years old.
• The business must be at the idea or market validation stage.
• The business must operate from any of the 36 states in Nigeria, including the FCT Abuja.
• Must have an innovative, technology-driven solution, idea, prototype, or MVP.
• Must demonstrate passion for solving real-world challenges through innovation.
• Must be able to commit to the full 12-week structured programme.
• Must be willing to participate in all learning sessions, assignments, evaluations, and Demo Day activities.
• Female founders and innovators are strongly encouraged to apply.
Program Benefits
• A 12-week hands-on startup incubation programme with a structured, founder-focused curriculum.
• Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage execution.
• Training delivered by experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• One-on-one mentorship from successful founders and ecosystem experts.
• Access to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, regional hubs, and support networks.
• Networking opportunities with investors, founders, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Performance-based access to funding opportunities, including NIOM funding support for early-stage development.
• Exposure to investors and strategic partners.
• Clear pathways to further iDICE Startup Bridge support, including the Growth Lab.
• Membership in a growing community of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Funding Information
• Funding is a core component designed to enable execution and is earned through active participation, demonstrated performance, and measurable progress.
• Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to ₦10,000,000 to support the early execution and launch of their businesses.
• Funding eligibility is subject to final evaluation, compliance with programme milestones, and alignment with iDICE investment criteria.
• Funding is disbursed in stages: Stage 1 – Founders Lab Completion Grant, Stage 2 – Demo Day for Outstanding Ideas, and Stage 3 – National Startup Bridge Demo Day.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: 26 July 2026
• How to Apply: Interested and eligible applicants can submit their applications through the official programme portal.
The iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab is designed to bridge critical gaps for early-stage entrepreneurs by providing the necessary skills, mentorship, market validation, and access to strategic networks. It is a structured learning and execution programme focused on building viable, real businesses, rather than a guaranteed funding programme or a pitch competition. The initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs with the tools and support needed to build impactful ventures, with the second cohort looking to expand on the success of the first, which supported 185 founders across Nigeria.