The IIH SHIFT (Scaling Homegrown Innovations & Frontier Technologies) Programme 2026 is open for applications, with a deadline of October 2, 2026. The 12-week accelerator is designed to identify, support, and commercialise homegrown frontier-technology solutions developed by Nigerian founders. The programme focuses on technically ambitious entrepreneurs building defensible solutions across areas such as DeepTech, AI and Data, Energy and Environment, Health and Life Sciences, Education and Workforce, and Media and Entertainment.
Programme Overview
• Programme Name: IIH SHIFT (Scaling Homegrown Innovations & Frontier Technologies) Programme 2026
• Application Deadline: October 2, 2026
• Format: 12-week accelerator and commercialisation programme
• Target Stage: Ideation, Pre-seed, Seed
• Target Sectors: DeepTech, AI & Data, Energy & Environment, Health & Life Sciences, Education & Workforce, Media & Entertainment
• Category: Accelerator, Funding
• Purpose: Support Nigerian entrepreneurs and startups developing frontier-technology solutions and help them move from ideas and prototypes toward market-ready and scalable ventures
• Organiser: Ilorin Innovation Hub (IIH)
• Delivery Partner: Co-creation Hub (CcHUB)
• Backers: Kwara State Government and IHS Towers Nigeria
Benefits
• Idea-Stage Funding: Up to ₦2 million in funding for idea-stage teams and early prototypes addressing a validated problem
• Startup Funding: Up to ₦5 million for startups with a working product and evidence of early traction, including users or revenue
• Training and Mentorship: Structured masterclasses, workshops, mentorship, and entrepreneurship support
• Commercialisation Support: Guidance to help teams validate, develop, and commercialise their technologies
• Operational Support: Access to co-working facilities, IIH’s innovation infrastructure, and relevant programme resources
• Ecosystem Connections: Opportunities to connect with corporates, investors, universities, government institutions, and other ecosystem stakeholders
• Demo Day: Selected teams will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions and pursue pilots, partnerships, investment, and further funding
Eligibility
• Student and Research Innovators: Individuals or teams developing technology-driven ideas or prototypes
• Early-Stage Startups: Startups developing or validating frontier-technology products and seeking market entry or growth
• Local SMEs: Businesses seeking to adopt, develop, or integrate innovative technologies
• Team Composition: Teams of 2–4 members, with at least one technical co-founder or technical team member
• Commitment: Applicants should demonstrate commitment to developing and commercialising their proposed solution
• Inclusion: The programme encourages participation from female founders and entrepreneurs from underserved communities
Application
• How to Apply: Complete and submit the official IIH SHIFT Programme application form
• Application Deadline: October 2, 2026
• More Information: Visit the official IIH SHIFT Programme page or Ilorin Innovation Hub’s official channels
The IIH SHIFT Programme 2026 combines funding, mentorship, technical and commercialisation support, ecosystem access, and market opportunities for Nigerian founders developing frontier technologies. Eligible entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and SMEs are encouraged to apply before the October 2, 2026 deadline.