iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2 (₦10 Million in Grants)

If you have a business idea you have been sitting on, or an early-stage startup that needs structure and funding to move forward, the Federal Government of Nigeria just opened a door that you should not miss. The iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2 is now accepting applications from Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, with top-performing participants standing a chance to receive up to ₦10 million in non-equity grant funding.

Applications opened on June 24, 2026 and close on July 26, 2026. That gives you just a few weeks to put your best foot forward.

Program Features

The iDICE Startup Bridge is a national entrepreneurship initiative under Nigeria’s broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, a $617.7 million federal initiative designed to grow the country’s digital and creative economy. The Startup Bridge is implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI) with support from the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank.

Founders Lab is the entry-level track within the Startup Bridge platform, designed specifically for founders at the idea, prototype, or early MVP stage. It runs for 12 weeks and combines online learning, expert-led masterclasses, assessments, mentorship sessions, and in-person engagement through innovation hubs spread across all 36 states and the FCT.

The first cohort attracted over 7,000 applications and enrolled 185 founders across the country. Cohort 2 is now open, inviting the next wave of innovators to join the programme.

Funding under the programme is performance-based. Participants who complete all programme requirements and demonstrate measurable progress may be eligible for non-equity grants of up to ₦10 million. High-performing founders from the cohort’s Demo Day may also be considered for additional funding and investment exposure through the national iDICE Startup Bridge Demo Day.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a Nigerian citizen or be based in Nigeria, in any of the 36 states or the FCT, Abuja
• You must be between 18 and 35 years of age
• Your business must be at the idea, prototype, or early market validation stage (a fully operational business with significant revenue is better suited for the Growth Lab track)
• You must be building a technology-enabled solution with clear potential for growth and scale
• You must be willing and able to commit to the full 12-week programme, including all learning sessions, assignments, evaluations, and Demo Day activities.

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What You Will Gain

Admission into the Founders Lab is more than just a chance at funding. Participants receive a structured 12-week curriculum built around real entrepreneurship skills, from identifying a genuine problem and validating customer demand, to building an MVP and developing a sustainable business model.

Beyond the curriculum, participants get access to mentorship from experienced founders and industry experts, peer learning within a nationwide founder community, and regional hub support in their state. There are also stipends for internet and workspace expenses to help participants stay engaged throughout the programme.

Founders who perform well during the 12 weeks move into consideration for non-equity grant funding of up to ₦10 million. The best performers from across the programme cycle may also be invited to pitch at the national iDICE Startup Bridge Demo Day, where additional funding opportunities and broader ecosystem exposure await.

For founders who progress beyond the idea stage, there is a separate Growth Lab track that offers equity investment of up to $100,000 for startups with proven traction.

Deadline and Where to Apply

Applications for the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2 close on July 26, 2026.

To apply, visit the official portal at www.idicestartupbridge.ng, select the Founders Lab track, complete the application form with accurate details about your idea or early business, and submit before the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to apply early given the high volume of submissions the programme typically receives.

This is a government-backed, structured programme with real funding behind it. If you are a young Nigerian with a business idea and the commitment to build something real, Cohort 2 of the Founders Lab is one of the strongest opportunities available to you right now.

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