The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI), has opened applications for the Startup Bridge Growth Lab, a 12-week accelerator designed to help early-stage Nigerian tech startups prepare for investment and scale their businesses.
The programme will select 12 startups, with representation from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Participants will receive business support, mentorship, investment readiness training and access to funding opportunities worth up to $350,000.
Benefits for Participation
Selected startups will receive:
- A 12-week accelerator programme focused on business growth and investment readiness.
- A cash investment of $100,000 (or its naira equivalent) in exchange for 7.5% equity, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
- An opportunity to secure up to $250,000 in follow-on funding after meeting specified growth milestones.
- Mentorship from experienced founders, investors and industry experts.
- Access to strategic business networks and market expansion opportunities.
- A hybrid learning experience combining virtual sessions with two weeks of in-person activities in Lagos, where founders will refine their growth strategies and engage with mentors and peers.
Eligibility for Participation
Applicants must:
- Be founders of technology-enabled startups operating in Nigeria.
- Have a startup that has been in operation for no more than 12 months.
- Be resident in one of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
- Have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and progressed to the post-MVP stage.
- Demonstrate market validation through customers, active users, pilot projects, partnerships, waitlists or other indicators of demand.
- Be available to participate fully in the hybrid accelerator programme.
Female founders are encouraged to apply. Final participants will be selected through a merit-based evaluation process.
Programme Structure
Growth Lab builds on the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab, which supports idea-stage entrepreneurs. This next phase is designed for startups that already have an MVP and need structured guidance to strengthen their business model, improve investment readiness and prepare for expansion.
Throughout the programme, participants will work with mentors, receive expert guidance and gain practical support to position their startups for future fundraising.
How to Apply
Applications will close on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Interested founders can submit their applications through the iDICE Startup Bridge portal before the deadline.
This post was culled from Punch.
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