Programme Overview
The Founders Lab programme, under the Startup Bridge initiative, is the capacity-building component of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI). Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, the programme equips early-stage, technology-enabled businesses with the knowledge, expert mentorship, and access to capital required to grow and compete at scale.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Business is at idea or market validation stage
- Business will operate from any of the 36+ states in Nigeria + FCT Abuja
- Founder is at least 18 to 35 years
- Ability to commit to a 12-week structured programme
- Willingness to participate in learning sessions, assignments, evaluations and Demo Day activities
Programme Details
- Programme Duration: 12 weeks
- Delivery Mode: Self-paced | Virtual | In-person
- The programme is designed for founders who:
- Have an idea or prototype
- Are interested in building a digital or tech enterprise
- Have plans to operate in Nigeria
- Want to better understand their market, customers, and business model
- Are ready to commit time and effort to structured learning and execution
Funding
- Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to N7,000,000 to support the early execution and launch of their businesses.
- Funding eligibility is subject to final evaluation, compliance with programme milestones, and alignment with iDICE investment criteria.
Programme Stages
Stage 1: Founders Lab Completion Grant
- Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme and meet all participation and learning requirements may become eligible to apply for available builder grants.
- Grant access is conditional upon meeting programme criteria and satisfactory assessment of progress.
Stage 2: Demo Day – Outstanding Ideas
- Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme and meet all participation and learning requirements may become eligible to apply for builder grants.
- Grant access is conditional upon meeting programme criteria and satisfactory assessment of progress.
National Startup Bridge Demo Day
- At the end of the year, startups that demonstrate clear proof of growth, traction and progress across Founder Lab and subsequent support may be invited to pitch on a national Startup Bridge stage.
- Details for this stage are communicated closer to the event and are based strictly on performance and readiness.
- Startups selected for this stage will be considered for:
- Additional funding
- Broader ecosystem and partner exposure
- Support to scale their businesses
Programme Benefits
- Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage execution
- A structured, founder-focused curriculum
- Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts
- Peer learning and founder community
- Access to regional hubs and support networks
- Performance-based access to funding opportunities
- Clear pathways to further iDICE Startup Bridge support, including Growth Lab
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: April 19, 2026
Grant Atlas