The Federal Government has officially launched the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Startup Bridge Programme, a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting more than 500 technology entrepreneurs across Nigeria through structured training, grants, and equity investments.

The programme is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders move from ideas to validated startups and from early traction to scalable businesses.

The iDICE Startup Bridge operates under the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The programme is implemented by the Bank of Industry and financed by the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement and the Islamic Development Bank.

The initiative is part of a wider national effort to stimulate job creation, strengthen enterprise development and expand access to funding for businesses operating in Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors.

To address the different needs of startups at varying stages, the programme will run through two dedicated pathways — Founders Lab and Growth Lab.

The Founders Lab, which is currently open for applications, is a 12-week capacity-building programme targeting idea-stage entrepreneurs and early prototype founders. It will focus on helping participants validate their business ideas, build sustainable business models and develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

Each year, the programme will train 250 entrepreneurs, offering structured learning, mentorship and expert-led sessions.

From this pool, 100 high-performing participants who meet defined milestones will receive grants of up to N10 million to support product development or launch their ventures.

The second pathway, Growth Lab, will be introduced in a later phase. It is designed for startups that already have an MVP, market traction and clear revenue potential.

Selected startups in this category will receive $100,000 (or its naira equivalent) in equity investment, along with support to scale operations, improve governance structures and refine fundraising strategies.

The programme will also create a pipeline linking participating startups to institutional investors, enabling follow-on funding opportunities. Startups that secure investment from external investors may also qualify for additional match funding.

Over multiple cohorts, the programme aims to support more than 500 Nigerian tech startups, strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and improving access to structured early-stage capital.

Speaking on the strategic importance of the programme, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, said the initiative was designed to unlock economic opportunities for Nigeria’s young population.

According to him, the programme provides young entrepreneurs across the country with the opportunity to build and scale businesses capable of creating jobs and driving economic inclusion.

Also commenting, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Olasupo Olusi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation pipeline.

Olusi disclosed that in 2025 the bank achieved a record N636 billion in total disbursements to enterprises across multiple sectors, the highest annual disbursement in its history. Out of this amount, N43 billion was directed to projects in the digital and creative sectors.

He expressed optimism that the iDICE Startup Bridge would further expand access to capital and accelerate enterprise growth within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Applications for the Founders Lab opened on March 16, 2026, and will close on April 20, 2026. Selection will follow a merit-based evaluation process aligned with clearly defined criteria.

Head of Founders Lab at iDICE Startup Bridge, Cindy Ezerioha, said the programme was designed to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into viable businesses. (Daily Trust)