iDICE startup Bridge Opens Growth Lab applications, offers Nigerian startups up to $350,000 funding

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI), has opened applications for its Growth Lab accelerator, a 12-week programme designed to equip high-potential Nigerian startups with mentorship, investment readiness training and access to funding of up to $350,000.

The Growth Lab, which forms part of the iDICE Startup Bridge initiative, will select 12 technology-enabled startups drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones for intensive acceleration support, mentorship and opportunities to attract local and international investors.

According to a statement made available to journalists, the Growth Lab represents the next phase of the Startup Bridge founder support pathway. It follows the successful implementation of the Founders Lab programme, which focuses on helping early-stage innovators validate and refine their business ideas.

The organisers explained that while Founders Lab targets entrepreneurs at the idea stage, Growth Lab is specifically designed for startups that have already developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and recorded early market traction but require expert guidance, strategic partnerships and investment to scale their businesses.

The statement noted that the accelerator is intended to strengthen venture fundamentals, enhance business sustainability and prepare participating startups for external investment.
Speaking on the programme, National Coordinator of iDICE Startup Bridge, Ife Adebayo, said selected founders would benefit from comprehensive business support designed to position them for rapid growth.

According to Adebayo, participants will receive structured acceleration support, investment readiness coaching, access to experienced industry experts, mentorship opportunities and market expansion strategies.

He disclosed that each selected startup will receive a cash investment of $100,000, or its naira equivalent, in exchange for 7.5 per cent equity, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions. Startups that meet specified growth milestones may also qualify for additional follow-on funding of up to $250,000.

“Selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5 per cent equity upon entering the programme, while outstanding startups could receive up to $250,000 in follow-on investment if certain growth conditions are met,” Adebayo stated.

He explained that applications are open to technology-enabled startups that have been operating for no more than 12 months and whose founders reside in any of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

To qualify, applicants must have progressed beyond the MVP stage and demonstrate clear evidence of market validation through customers, users, pilot projects, partnerships, waiting lists or other indicators of market demand.
Adebayo added that successful applicants must also be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme, which combines virtual learning sessions with two weeks of intensive physical engagement in Lagos focused on collaboration, networking and business development.

The Growth Lab programme will officially run over 12-weeks, bringing together founders, investors, business leaders and ecosystem experts to accelerate startup growth and strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Applications, which opened on July 15, 2026, will close on August 19, 2026.
Interested founders are encouraged to submit their applications through the official iDICE Startup Bridge portal.

The organisers also encouraged women-led startups to apply, noting that female founders are strongly encouraged to participate. They assured applicants that the selection process will be transparent, competitive and based strictly on merit using clearly defined evaluation criteria.

The iDICE Programme is one of the Federal Government’s flagship initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation by supporting the growth of digital and creative enterprises across Nigeria.

Through initiatives such as the Startup Bridge, the programme seeks to improve access to funding, mentorship and business development opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs while strengthening the country’s innovation-driven economy.