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 offering up to $350,000 in funding to 12 promising Nigerian tech startups.
According to a statement issued by the programme organisers on Sunday, the initiative will select startups from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to receive intensive business support, investment-readiness training and access to funding designed to accelerate their growth.
The organisers said the Growth Lab is the next stage of the iDICE Startup Bridge founder support pathway, building on the Founders Lab, which helps idea-stage entrepreneurs validate and refine their business ideas.
Speaking on the programme, the National Coordinator of iDICE Startup Bridge, Ife Adebayo, said selected founders would benefit from 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 in operation for no more than 12 months, with founders residing 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, work with industry experts and refine strategies for business expansion.
Adebayo said applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026.
He urged interested founders to apply through the programme’s website.
