BoI

The Federal Government, through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme, implemented by the Bank of Industry, has opened applications for the iDICE Startup Bridge Growth Lab, a 12-week accelerator programme that will provide up to $350,000 in funding for 12 promising Nigerian tech startups.

This was contained in a statement issued by the programme organisers on Sunday. The statement noted that the initiative would select startups from each of the country’s six geopolitical zones for intensive business support, investment-readiness training and access to funding aimed at accelerating growth.

The organisers explained that the Growth Lab is the next phase of the iDICE Startup Bridge founder support pathway, building on the Founders Lab, which focuses on helping idea-stage entrepreneurs validate and refine their business concepts.

The statement said, “Growth Lab is the Startup Bridge accelerator programme, designed for startups that have developed an MVP and require structured support to scale. The programme focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals and preparing companies for external investment.”

Speaking on the programme, the National Coordinator of iDICE Startup Bridge, Ife Adebayo, said selected founders would receive funding, mentorship and access to strategic business networks.

He said, “Selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment-readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or naira equivalent) for 7.5 per cent equity upon entering the programme, subject to terms and conditions, and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.”

Adebayo said the programme is open to technology-enabled startups that have been operating for no more than 12 months, with founders resident in any of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The programme coordinator added, “Eligible startups must be at the post-MVP stage, demonstrate evidence of market validation through users, customers, pilots, partnerships, waitlists or other demand signals, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme.”

The 12-week programme will combine virtual sessions with two weeks of physical engagements in Lagos, where participants will receive mentorship, collaborate with industry experts and refine strategies for business expansion.

Adebayo disclosed that applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026. “Applicants can register at www.idicestartupbridge.ng as applications for Growth Lab opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026,” he said.

The organisers added that female tech professionals are strongly encouraged to apply, noting that successful participants will be selected through a transparent, merit-based evaluation process.