iDICE Founders Lab Programme 2026 for Early-stage Nigerian Tech-businesses (Up To 7 Million Naira in Non-equity Funding)

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Applications are open for iDICE Founders Lab Programme 2026. The Founders Lab programme, under the Startup Bridge initiative, is the capacity-building component of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI).

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, the programme equips early-stage, technology-enabled businesses with the knowledge, expert mentorship, and access to capital required to grow and compete at scale. If you are a Nigerian entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 35 years building an innovative solution with strong growth potential, this is your opportunity to strengthen your business foundation, become investment-ready, and unlock new pathways to funding and long-term success. Apply now and take the next step toward building a sustainable venture.

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

Who Founders Lab is For

Founders Lab is designed for founders who:

iDICE Founders Lab Programme Benefits

Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage execution
A structured, founder-focused curriculum
Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts
Peer learning and founder community
Access to regional hubs and support networks
Performance-based access to funding opportunities
Clear pathways to further iDICE Startup Bridge support, including Growth Lab

Funding Details

Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to N7,000,000 to support the early execution and launch of their businesses.
Funding eligibility is subject to final evaluation, compliance with programme milestones, and alignment with iDICE investment criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for iDICE Founders Lab Programme

To be eligible for iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Business is at idea or market validation stage
Business will operate from any of the 36+ states in Nigeria + FCT Abuja
Founder is at least 18 to 35 years
Ability to commit to a 12-week structured programme
Willingness to participate in learning sessions, assignments, evaluations and Demo Day activities

How Funding Works in iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab

Stage 1: Founders Lab Completion Grant
- Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme and meet all participation and learning requirements may become eligible to apply for available builder grants.
- Grant access is conditional upon meeting programme criteria and satisfactory assessment of progress.
Stage 2: Demo Day – Outstanding Ideas
- Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme and meet all participation and learning requirements may become eligible to apply for builder grants.
- Grant access is conditional upon meeting programme criteria and satisfactory assessment of progress.
National Startup Bridge Demo Day
- At the end of the year, startups that demonstrate clear proof of growth, traction and progress across Founder Lab and subsequent support may be invited to pitch on a national Startup Bridge stage.
- Details for this stage are communicated closer to the event and are based strictly on performance and readiness.