The iDICE Startup Bridge program, an initiative under the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, has opened applications for Cohort 2 of Founders Lab, its entrepreneurship incubation programme designed to equip Nigerian innovators with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to develop tech-driven ideas into validated businesses.
The launch follows the successful commencement of the programme’s inaugural cohort, which currently engages 185 entrepreneurs across all 36 states and the FCT through 49 innovation hubs, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to ensuring that entrepreneurial opportunity and innovation support are accessible across Nigeria.
Applications for Cohort 2 opens on the 24th of June, 2026, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs and idea-stage innovators from across Nigeria to join a structured incubator programme that combines online learning, assessments, expert-led masterclasses, mentorship and in-person engagements facilitated through partner innovation hubs nationwide.
Founders Lab was created to provide idea-stage founders with the support, funding opportunities, and ecosystem connections needed to move from concept to execution. Through a hybrid learning model, participants are guided through the process of validating problems, refining solutions, testing business models, and developing the capabilities required to build sustainable ventures.
The first cohort is currently in progress, and has been demonstrating the depth of entrepreneurial talent and problem-solving capacity that exists across the country. Dr. Safiyya Bashir Ado. Founder, UMMA, one of the beneficiaries from Kano State, shared about the programme’s impact:
“iDice Founders Lab challenges me to think beyond the walls of the hospital and focus on building something people truly need. In just 4 weeks, I built UMMA from an idea into a solution, tested assumptions with real users, and gained invaluable mentorship from mentors, other founders, and industry experts. The programme is intense, humbling, and transformative, and I carry on with a stronger product, a clearer vision, and a network of people I know I can learn from for years to come.”
Echoing this impact, Andrew Ndukwe, Founder & CEO, AlphaZone Tech Hub, one of the programme’s hub partners in Ebonyi State, said:
‘’The iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab program has reignited our commitment to supporting founders in Ebonyi State. Its intentional design, structured support, and nationwide reach are helping founders learn, access opportunities, and build with greater confidence. It is a highly impactful initiative for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem’’
One defining feature of Founders Lab is its performance-based progression model. Participants who demonstrate strong commitment, execution, and measurable progress will have the opportunity to access non-equity grant funding at different stages of the programme, subject to programme evaluations, milestone completion, and compliance requirements.
During the programme, eligible participants will access grant funding tied to defined milestones. The cohort will also culminate in a Demo Day, where selected startups will have the opportunity to present their ventures and be considered for additional funding support. In total, participants may access up to ten million naira (₦10,000,000) in grant funding through the programme and cohort Demo Day.
Furthermore, at the end of the wider programme cycle, high-performing participants may further apply to participate in the national iDICE Startup Bridge Demo Day, where they will be considered for additional funding opportunities, and broader ecosystem exposure.
This marks another step towards enabling innovation at scale, as the iDICE Startup Bridge programme continues to serve as a platform for identifying and supporting tech-enabled founders building solutions across sectors and states, while strengthening the foundations of innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.
Applications for Founders Lab open today, June 24, 2026, and closes July 26, 2026. Selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria. Interested individuals may apply at www.idicestartupbridge.ng
