Federal Government Unveils iDICE Startup Bridge to Boost Nigerian Entrepreneurship
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the iDICE Startup Bridge, a comprehensive initiative designed to provide critical support to early-stage entrepreneurs across the nation. This program represents a significant investment in Nigeria's innovation ecosystem, offering both financial grants and equity investments to help founders transform their ideas into viable businesses.
Substantial Financial Support for Early-Stage Ventures
Through the Founders Lab pathway, idea-stage founders can access grants of up to N10 million (approximately $7,215) to develop their concepts and build minimum viable products. For startups that have already progressed beyond the initial idea phase and developed operational prototypes, the Growth Lab pathway will provide equity investments of $100,000 to support scaling and expansion efforts.
The Bank of Industry is implementing this ambitious program with funding support from several international development partners, including the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank. This collaboration underscores the global confidence in Nigeria's entrepreneurial potential and digital economy growth prospects.
Nationwide Reach and Structured Support Programs
Unlike many startup initiatives concentrated in major urban centers, the iDICE Startup Bridge aims to reach entrepreneurs in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This nationwide approach is specifically designed to expand opportunities beyond traditional technology hubs like Lagos and Abuja, ensuring that founders in underserved regions can participate in Nigeria's innovation revolution.
Cindy Ezerioha, Head of Founders Lab at iDICE Startup Bridge, explained the program's structured approach: "Each cohort will support 125 aspiring entrepreneurs, guiding them from initial concept through to validated business models with comprehensive mentoring and structured training."
Two Distinct Pathways for Different Startup Stages
The Founders Lab, which began accepting applications on March 16, functions as a 12-week intensive training program for founders at the idea stage or those with early prototypes. The curriculum focuses on business idea validation, sustainable business model development, and MVP creation with guidance from experienced industry facilitators.
Annually, 250 participants will receive training and mentorship through this pathway. From this group, the top 100 founders who successfully meet program milestones will qualify for grants of up to N10 million to support product development or business launch activities.
The Growth Lab, scheduled for a later implementation phase, will target post-MVP startups demonstrating traction, revenue potential, and operational readiness. Selected companies will receive $100,000 in equity investment alongside support aimed at strengthening governance structures, expanding operations, and preparing for additional fundraising rounds.
Government Commitment to Entrepreneurial Development
This initiative forms part of the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program, which was launched in 2023 with $617.7 million in funding to stimulate investment in Nigeria's digital and creative sectors. The iDICE program recorded its first startup investment in late 2025 through Ventures Platform, a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage African startups.
Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, expressed strong confidence in the program's potential: "This initiative will provide young entrepreneurs with unprecedented opportunities to build and expand businesses while contributing significantly to our nation's long-term economic growth and development."
Application Details and Selection Process
Applications for the Founders Lab pathway will remain open until April 20, 2026. Program organizers have emphasized that entries will undergo a rigorous merit-based evaluation process according to published selection criteria. Interested entrepreneurs can submit their applications through the official program website.
Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, highlighted the institution's track record in supporting Nigerian enterprises: "We have previously disbursed N636 billion to enterprises across various sectors, with N43 billion specifically supporting projects in the creative and digital industries. The Startup Bridge program builds strategically upon these achievements."
The iDICE Startup Bridge represents the Federal Government's latest effort to strengthen Nigeria's early-stage startup ecosystem through structured training, comprehensive mentorship, and improved access to capital. By supporting entrepreneurs from concept through to scaling phases, this initiative aims to create a more robust and inclusive innovation landscape across Nigeria.
