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Upcoming Accelerator / Incubator

iDICE Startup Bridge (Founders Lab & Growth Lab) 2026

Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) / Bank of Industry · Verified watch-list
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NigeriaTechnologyDigitalCreative

About this opportunity

Two 12-week programmes for Nigerian founders: Founders Lab gives non-equity grants up to ₦10m for idea/prototype stage; Growth Lab invests $100,000 for equity in post-MVP startups. Funding is performance-based, tied to execution and measurable progress.

The startup arm of the federal iDICE programme, run through the Bank of Industry and funded by AfDB, AFD and IsDB. Founders Lab is a 12-week programme for idea and prototype-stage founders, with performance-based grants for top performers. Growth Lab invests about $100,000 in equity in post-MVP startups. Terms: Founders Lab: non-equity grants of up to N7m–N10m for the top 100 (sources differ). Growth Lab: $100,000 for 7.5% equity, with up to $250,000 follow-on.

Who can apply

  • Nigerian founder aged 18 to 35
  • For Founders Lab: have an idea, prototype, or early MVP in a tech-enabled sector
  • For Growth Lab: operating a post-MVP startup that has been running for no more than 12 months
  • For Growth Lab: able to show evidence of market validation
  • Resident in Nigeria

Not eligible

  • Founders outside the 18–35 age range (Founders Lab only)
  • Non-Nigerian founders
  • Growth Lab applicants whose startup has operated for more than 12 months

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Documents you will need

  • Proof of Nigerian residency
  • Identification document (valid passport, national ID, or driver's licence)
  • For Founders Lab: description of your idea, prototype, or MVP and the problem it solves
  • For Growth Lab: evidence of market validation (user interviews, waitlist numbers, early revenue, or traction data)
  • For Growth Lab: cap table or statement of founders and shareholding
  • For Growth Lab: pitch deck or business plan showing go-to-market strategy

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Go to the iDICE Startup Bridge website and choose which lab matches your stage: Founders Lab for idea/prototype stage, or Growth Lab for post-MVP startups
  2. If Growth Lab is closed to applications, you can join the Founders Lab waitlist or wait for Growth Lab to reopen
  3. Gather required documents: proof of residency, ID, and stage-specific materials (idea description for Founders Lab; market validation evidence and cap table for Growth Lab)
  4. Complete and submit the online application form with your business information, team details, and supporting documents
  5. Await notification of the assessment outcome; selected applicants typically receive communications within weeks of application closure
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Applications are assessed against criteria including founder profile, business idea quality, market fit, and team capability. For Founders Lab, the top 100 performers across all applicants receive non-equity grants; for Growth Lab, selected startups receive the $100,000 equity investment. Selection is based on execution potential and measurable progress, not participation alone. Recent cohorts have drawn from all 36 states and the FCT.

What reviewers look for

  • Demonstrate clear understanding of the problem you're solving and the customer you're solving it for; vague problem statements weaken applications
  • For Founders Lab: show a working prototype or MVP, however basic, rather than just an idea on paper
  • For Growth Lab: provide concrete evidence of market validation—actual user numbers, revenue, or customer interviews, not projections
  • Be realistic about your timeline and milestones; reviewers look for founders who understand what they can deliver in 12 weeks
  • Show you have thought through the business model and can explain how you'll reach customers and make money

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to both Founders Lab and Growth Lab at the same time?

No. Growth Lab is for startups already operating with a proven MVP. Apply to Founders Lab if you are earlier stage.

Is funding guaranteed if I am selected into the programme?

No. In Founders Lab, grants are performance-based and go to the top 100 performers. In Growth Lab, the $100,000 investment is part of selection, but follow-on capital depends on hitting agreed milestones.

What sectors can I apply in?

Technology, digital, and creative sectors. Your business must be tech-enabled.

How much equity does Growth Lab take?

7.5% equity for the $100,000 investment. There is also a possibility of up to $250,000 additional follow-on funding.

Do I need to have registered my business before applying?

Usually business registration is not a hard requirement for Founders Lab at the idea stage, but you should confirm this when you start your application. For Growth Lab, having a registered entity is typically expected.

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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