Federal Government Launches iDICE Startup Bridge to Empower Entrepreneurs Nationwide
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially opened applications for the iDICE Startup Bridge program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide comprehensive support for early-stage entrepreneurs across the country. This program represents a significant investment in Nigeria's growing startup ecosystem, offering a combination of financial grants, mentorship opportunities, and access to investment capital for innovative founders.
Comprehensive Support Structure for Nigerian Innovators
The iDICE Startup Bridge operates under the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program, which focuses on accelerating growth within Nigeria's digital and creative sectors. Implemented by the Bank of Industry and financed through strategic partnerships with international development institutions including the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank, this initiative aims to broaden Nigeria's innovation pipeline beyond traditional technology hubs.
According to program officials, the initiative specifically targets entrepreneurs outside established technology centers like Lagos and Abuja, where most startup funding has historically been concentrated. By supporting founders across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the government hopes to uncover new ideas, nurture emerging talent, and create stronger pathways for startups to attract funding and scale their operations effectively.
Founders Lab: Building Viable Startups from Concepts
The first pathway of the program, known as the Founders Lab, officially opened for applications on March 16, 2026. This 12-week capacity-building program is specifically designed for idea-stage entrepreneurs who want to transform business concepts into viable startups. Participants will receive structured training, mentorship, and practical guidance from experienced facilitators to help them validate ideas, build robust business models, and develop minimum viable products.
Each year, the program will train approximately 250 entrepreneurs through the Founders Lab. Following the training phase, the top 100 founders who successfully complete the program and meet key milestones will receive grants of up to N10 million (approximately $7,215) to support product development or launch their ventures. Applications for the Founders Lab will close on April 20, with participants selected through a merit-based evaluation process aligned with the program's specific criteria.
Growth Lab: Scaling Established Startups
A second pathway under the program, called the Growth Lab, will be introduced in a later phase. Unlike the Founders Lab, which focuses on early-stage ideas, the Growth Lab is designed for startups that already have minimum viable products and have demonstrated early market traction. Selected startups will receive up to $100,000 in equity investment along with comprehensive technical support aimed at scaling operations, strengthening corporate governance, and refining fundraising strategies.
The Growth Lab will also connect participating startups with institutional investors and may provide match funding opportunities for companies that secure additional capital from external investors. This dual-pathway approach ensures that both early-stage and more established startups can benefit from the program's resources and support mechanisms.
Part of Broader Digital Economy Strategy
Launched in 2023 with total funding of $617.7 million, the iDICE initiative represents one of the largest government-backed efforts to stimulate investment in Nigeria's digital economy. The program recorded its first startup investment in late 2025 through Ventures Platform, a seed-stage venture capital firm operating across Africa.
Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, emphasized that the initiative is designed to provide stronger opportunities for entrepreneurs nationwide. According to his statements, the program aims to give young innovators across Nigeria a clear pathway to build sustainable businesses and scale their ideas into viable enterprises that can compete both locally and internationally.
For the Bank of Industry, the initiative aligns with its broader financing activities across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy. The bank disclosed that it disbursed N636 billion to businesses across different industries in its latest financial year, the highest annual disbursement in its history. Of that amount, N43 billion was directed toward projects in the digital and creative sectors, demonstrating the institution's commitment to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Olasupo Olusi, managing director and chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry, stated that the institution hopes to replicate that level of impact through the iDICE Startup Bridge program as it continues to support emerging entrepreneurs and innovation across Nigeria. The program represents a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Nigerian startups, regardless of their geographical location or current stage of development.
