The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Founders Lab Programme 2026 for early-stage Nigerian tech-businesses (7 Million Naira in non-equity funding)

Application Deadline: April 19, 2026

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Founders Lab Programme. The Founders Lab programme, below the Startup Bridge initiative, is the capacity-building part of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, carried out in partnership with theBank of Industry (BOI). Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, the programme equips early-stage, technology-enabled companies with the information, knowledgeable mentorship, and entry to capital required to develop and compete at scale.

If you’re a Nigerian entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 35 years constructing an revolutionary answer with sturdy progress potential, that is your alternative to strengthen your corporation basis, change into investment-ready, and unlock new pathways to funding and long-term success. 

• Programme Duration: 12 weeks
• Delivery Mode: Self-paced | Virtual | In-person

Requirements
Founders Lab is designed for founders who:

• Have an concept or prototype
• Are in constructing a digital or tech enterprise
• Have plans to function in Nigeria
• Want to higher perceive their market, clients, and enterprise mannequin
• Are able to commit time and effort to structured studying and execution

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, candidates should meet the next standards:

• Business is at concept or market validation stage
• Business will function from any of the 36+ states in Nigeria + FCT Abuja
• Founder is no less than 18 to 35 years
• Ability to decide to a 12-week structured programme
• Willingness to take part in studying classes, assignments, evaluations and Demo Day actions

funding

• Participants who efficiently full all programme necessities could also be eligible for non-equity funding of as much as N7,000,000 to help the early execution and launch of their companies.
• funding eligibility is topic to last analysis, compliance with programme milestones, and alignment with iDICE funding standards.

Stage 1: Founders Lab Completion Grant

• Participants who efficiently full the 12-week programme and meet all participation and studying necessities might change into eligible to apply for out there builder grants.
• Grant entry is conditional upon assembly programme standards and passable evaluation of progress.

Stage 2: Demo Day – Outstanding Ideas

• Participants who efficiently full the 12-week programme and meet all participation and studying necessities might change into eligible to apply for builder grants.
• Grant entry is conditional upon assembly programme standards and passable evaluation of progress.

National Startup Bridge Demo Day

• At the top of the yr, startups that display clear proof of progress, traction and progress throughout Founder Lab and subsequent help could also be invited to pitch on a nationwide Startup Bridge stage.
• Details for this stage are communicated nearer to the occasion and are primarily based strictly on efficiency and readiness.

Startups chosen for this stage will probably be thought-about for:

• Additional funding
• Broader ecosystem and companion publicity
• Support to scale their companies

Programme Benefits

• Practical instruments and frameworks for early-stage execution
• A structured, founder-focused curriculum
• Mentorship from skilled founders and ecosystem consultants
• Peer studying and founder neighborhood
• Access to regional hubs and help networks
• Performance-based entry to funding Opportunities
• Clear pathways to additional iDICE Startup Bridge help, together with Growth Lab

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Founders Lab Programme