Applications are now open for the iDICE Startup Bridge Growth Lab, a 12-week accelerator for founders building scalable, tech-enabled startups in Nigeria.
The programme is designed for early-stage startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are already showing traction, revenue, user growth, pilots, or partnerships.
Selected founders will receive mentorship, structured training, investor-readiness support, and up to $100,000 in equity-based investment.
The accelerator is backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI) under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative.
What selected founders will receive
Successful applicants will gain access to funding, mentorship, and practical support to help them scale their businesses.
Up to $100,000 in investment
Selected startups will receive an initial $100,000 equity-based investment in exchange for 7.5% equity.
Founders may also become eligible for up to $250,000 in additional matching growth capital, depending on their progress and investment readiness.
Expert mentorship and guidance
Participants will work closely with experienced founders, operators, investors, and industry advisors.
The programme includes:
- One-on-one mentorship
- Virtual workshops
- Fireside chats
- Practical business support
- Investor-readiness support
The accelerator places a strong emphasis on preparing startups for fundraising.
Founders will receive support in:
- Pitch refinement
- Financial planning
- Business model improvement
- Building an investment-ready data room
- Fully funded Lagos founder immersion
Participants will attend a two-week in-person experience in Lagos, with flights, accommodation, and meals fully covered.
The immersion focuses on strategy, collaboration, and peer learning with other founders.
Eligible sectors
The programme is open to startups building scalable tech or tech-enabled businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Eligible ventures include:
- Software products
- Digital platforms
- Tech-enabled consumer services
- B2B technology businesses
- Biotech startups
- Hardware startups
- Other technology-enabled ventures
For non-software businesses, technology must be a core part of how the product or service is delivered.
Who can apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The startup must be founded or co-founded by an entrepreneur aged 18 to 35
- The business must operate in Nigeria or target the Nigerian market
- The startup must be post-MVP
- The venture should demonstrate market validation or traction, such as active users, revenue, pilots, or strategic partnerships
Programme timeline
The accelerator runs for 12 weeks and combines in-person and virtual learning.
Week 1
In-person orientation in Lagos
Weeks 2–11
Virtual workshops and mentorship sessions
Week 12
Final in-person bootcamp and closing programme in Lagos
How to apply
Founders building innovative startups in Nigeria can apply through the official iDICE Startup Bridge website.