The Federal Government has launched the iDICE Startup Bridge, a new initiative designed to support Nigerian tech founders with funding, mentorship, learning, and ecosystem opportunities as the country pushes to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship.
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The programme is part of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative and is supported by the Bank of Industry (BOI). Funding for the programme comes from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
According to information shared by the organisers via X on Tuesday, the iDICE Startup Bridge was created to help founders build scalable technology-driven businesses through structured support systems and long-term ecosystem collaboration.
The initiative will run through two major tracks known as Founders Lab and Growth Lab.
Founders Lab is targeted at idea-stage entrepreneurs looking to take their first structured steps in building technology businesses. The programme is designed as a 12-week capacity-building initiative focused on helping early founders understand product development, business growth, and startup fundamentals.
The organisers said the first cohort will commence in May 2026, while applications for the second cohort will open later.
Growth Lab, on the other hand, is designed for post-Minimum Viable Product (MVP) startups that are preparing to scale operations and raise capital. The track will also run for 12 weeks and will focus on startup expansion, investor readiness, and business growth strategies.
The organisers disclosed that applications for the Growth Lab programme are expected to open around June or July 2026.
In a statement shared on its official platforms, iDICE Startup Bridge said the initiative reflects a “shared commitment to supporting founders building scalable solutions across Nigeria through structured support, mentorship, funding pathways, and ecosystem opportunities.”
The programme added that both tracks are designed to systematically strengthen Nigeria’s pipeline of technology entrepreneurs and improve opportunities for innovators across the country.
“The iDICE Startup Bridge is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, supported by the Bank of Industry (BOI), and funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB),” the statement read.
The launch comes at a time when Nigeria’s startup ecosystem continues to attract attention from investors despite economic challenges affecting businesses and funding activities across Africa.
Through the initiative, the Federal Government and its partners are positioning the programme as part of broader efforts to improve access to startup support and help more Nigerian founders move from idea stage to scalable businesses.
Interested founders can also join the waitlist through the iDICE Startup Bridge website www.IDICESTARTUPBRIDGE.ng ahead of the application process for the different cohorts.
