Nigerian Techpreneurs to Receive $100,000 Equity Investment and Grant Support
The iDICE Startup Bridge Programme has officially launched, establishing a structured pathway to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders throughout all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative operates under the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, a federal government project implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
According to a statement from the scheme promoters, the programme is part of a coordinated national effort to unlock job creation, strengthen enterprise development, and expand access to capital within Nigeria's digital and creative sectors. Recognizing that founders at different stages require varied support, the iDICE Startup Bridge is delivered through two distinct pathways.
Founders Lab: Capacity Building for Early-Stage Founders
The first pathway, Founders Lab, is now open to applications. This 12-week capacity-building programme is designed for idea-stage and early prototype founders, focusing on validation, business model development, and MVP creation. It features a structured curriculum delivered by expert facilitators.
Annually, 250 participants will receive capacity-building support and mentoring. Additionally, 100 high-performing participants will be awarded grants of up to N10,000,000 to support product development or the launch of their ventures.
Growth Lab: Equity Investment for Post-MVP Startups
The second pathway, Growth Lab, is scheduled to launch in a subsequent phase and targets post-MVP startups demonstrating traction, revenue potential, and operational readiness. All selected startups in this pathway will receive $100,000 (or its naira-equivalent) in equity investment.
This investment is complemented by support to scale operations, strengthen governance, and refine fundraising strategies. The programme will provide a direct pipeline to institutional investors to enable follow-on funding. Startups securing additional investment from qualified external investors may also access match funding.
Over successive cohorts, the iDICE Startup Bridge is expected to support more than 500 Nigerian tech startups nationwide, thereby strengthening Nigeria's innovation pipeline and expanding access to structured early-stage capital.
Leadership Perspectives on the Programme
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the iDICE Steering Committee, emphasized the programme's significance, stating, "iDICE was created to unlock sustainable jobs and economic inclusion for Nigeria's youthful population. This programme gives young entrepreneurs across the country a real opportunity to build or scale, and we are confident in its ability to reshape early-stage enterprise development and innovation outcomes over time."
Managing Director and CEO of BOI, Olasupo Olusi, reaffirmed the bank's role in strengthening the country's innovation pipeline. "As the implementing agency of the iDICE Programme, the Bank of Industry is proud to support the iDICE Startup Bridge, creating clear pathways for ideas to become enterprises and enterprises to become engines of growth," he said.
Olusi highlighted BOI's recent achievements, noting, "In 2025, we achieved a record total disbursement of N636 billion to enterprises across various sectors in Nigeria, marking the largest annual disbursement in the bank's history. Out of this figure, N43 billion was disbursed to projects in the creative and digital sectors. We are happy to replicate our success with the iDICE Startup Bridge."
Head of Founders Lab, Cindy Ezerioha, detailed the programme's structured approach, explaining, "Founders Lab is a bridge that connects potential to proof, and proof to capital. Each cohort will support 125 aspiring entrepreneurs, with a clear target of ensuring progress from concept to validated business models. This programme is built for people with innovative ideas, early prototypes, or unanswered questions about how to take their first real step."
