Applications are open for iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Cohort 5. iHatch is Nigeria’s first truly nationwide incubation programme, operating across all 36 states and the FCT through a decentralised, hub-first model. The iHatch Cohort 5 Startup Incubation Programme is a 4-month, execution-focused programme designed for early-stage founders who are ready to turn ideas into real, working businesses.
If you have a solution to a real problem, iHatch will help you:
- Prepare for funding and growth
- Build your MVP
- Validate your product with real users
- Structure your business properly
iHatch is Nigeria’s first truly nationwide incubation programme, operating across all 36 states and the FCT through a decentralised, hub-first model.Rather than focusing only on startups, iHatch strengthens the ecosystems around founders—training innovation hubs to become long-term engines of startup growth within their regions. This dual-track approach ensures that startups receive ongoing support during and after the programme.
iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Benefits
- Structured Support
- Access expert, structured guidance, and practical support to help you build, refine, and scale your solution from idea, prototype, or MVP to market readiness.
- Hands-On Execution
- Gain hands-on experience through real execution, including product development, market validation, and preparing your startup for growth and investment.
- Ecosystem Access & Opportunities
- Connect with a nationwide network of hubs, founders, and ecosystem partners, opening up opportunities for collaboration, visibility, and long-term support.
Priority Focus Areas
iHatch supports startups building solutions with strong local relevance and global potential across key sectors driving Nigeria’s development.
- FinTech
- Financial technology solutions for banking, lending, and payments
- AgriTech
- Agricultural innovation for productivity and market access
- HealthTech
- Digital health solutions and telemedicine platforms
- EdTech
- Educational technology and digital learning solutions
- CleanTech
- Environmental and sustainable energy solutions
- Logistics & Security
- Civic technology and security innovation
iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Structure & Duration
A dual-track incubation programme delivered through certified innovation hubs nationwide.
- Call for Applications
- Open call for innovation hubs and startups across all 36 states and FCT
- Hub Onboarding
- Training and certification of innovation hubs including assessment at the tiered ranking
- Startup Incubation
- MVP development, legal incorporation, market validation and sector-specific training
- Mentorship & Monitoring
- Expert mentorship, hub coaching, real-time tracking and performance monitoring
- Demo Day & Scale
- Regional and national demo days,investor engagement and post-programme support
Who Can Apply?
- Early-Stage Startups
- Tech or Tech-Enabled Founders
- Problem-Driven Innovators
- Builders Ready to Execute
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be based in Nigeria (any of the 36 states or FCT)
- Must apply as a team (minimum of 2 members)
- Must have at least one full time team member with technical capacity
- Startup must be in early stage (idea, prototype, or MVP stage)
- Must be available to participate fully for the 4-month duration
How To Apply for iHatch Startup Incubation Programme
What to Submit
- Pitch deck (if available) (PDF)
- Video Pitch (if available) (URL)
- CAC registration document (if available) (PDF)
- Any supporting evidence (user research, traction, pilots, etc.) (DOCX)
Application Deadline: 27th May 2026
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