iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2 2026 | Apply Now
The iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab is a 12-week startup incubation and capacity-building programme designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable, scalable businesses.
Implemented under the iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises) Startup Bridge initiative, the programme equips founders with practical business knowledge, mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a thriving innovation ecosystem.
It is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who have a startup idea, prototype, or early-stage Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and are ready to build sustainable, technology-driven businesses.
Program Details
- Program: iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab (Cohort 2)
- Duration: 12 Weeks
- Program Type: Startup Incubation, Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Business Development
- Location: Nigeria (through regional innovation hubs)
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Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Individuals with innovative technology-driven solutions
- Early-stage founders with an idea, prototype, or MVP
- Nigerian residents
- Applicants aged 18–35 years
- Entrepreneurs passionate about solving real-world problems through innovation
Female innovators are strongly encouraged to apply.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the programme, participants will receive practical support to:
- Validate real customer problems and market needs
- Identify and understand target customers
- Test business assumptions with real users
- Build, improve, or refine their MVP
- Develop practical and sustainable business models
- Understand pricing, operations, and startup finances
- Prepare investor-ready business plans
- Position their startups for growth and future investment
Benefits
Successful participants will receive:
- A 12-week hands-on startup incubation programme
- Practical learning sessions delivered by experienced entrepreneurs
- Mentorship from successful founders and industry experts
- Access to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and regional hubs
- Networking opportunities with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners
- NIOM funding support for early-stage startup growth
- Performance-based access to additional funding opportunities
- Exposure to investors and strategic partners
- Clear pathways into advanced iDICE Startup Bridge programmes, including the Growth Lab
- Membership in a vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs
The Program
Building a successful startup requires more than a great idea. It requires structure, mentorship, validation, funding, and the right network.
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The iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab provides aspiring founders with the tools, guidance, and support needed to transform ideas into sustainable businesses capable of creating jobs, solving local challenges, and driving innovation across Nigeria.
The first cohort supported 185 founders from all 36 states and the FCT through a network of 49 innovation hubs nationwide.
Cohort 2 aims to empower the next generation of Nigerian startup founders with even greater opportunities for growth and impact.
Deadline: 26th July, 2026