The Federal Government has opened applications for the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab Cohort 2.
This is a 12-week startup incubation programme designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into successful and scalable businesses.
If you have a technology-driven business idea, a prototype, or an early-stage Minimum Viable Product (MVP), this programme offers an opportunity to gain practical business knowledge, receive expert mentorship, connect with investors, and access funding opportunities within Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem.
SEE ALSO:Â Federal Government ITF Business Incubation Initiative for Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA)
About the iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab
The iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises) Startup Bridge Founders Lab is an entrepreneurship development programme focused on nurturing early-stage startups through structured training, mentorship, and business incubation.
Rather than simply teaching entrepreneurship theory, the programme provides founders with practical guidance to validate business ideas, understand market needs, develop sustainable business models, and prepare their startups for long-term growth and investment.
The programme will be delivered through regional innovation hubs across Nigeria, providing participants with access to experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, investors, and ecosystem partners.
Programme Details
Programme: iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab (Cohort 2)
Duration: 12 Weeks
Programme Type: Startup Incubation, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Development
Location: Nigeria (through regional innovation hubs)
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to ambitious Nigerians who are committed to building innovative businesses capable of solving real-world challenges.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a Nigerian resident.
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Have an innovative technology-driven business idea or solution.
- Be an early-stage founder with an idea, prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- Be passionate about solving societal problems through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Female innovators are strongly encouraged to apply.
What Participants Will Learn
The Founders Lab is structured to equip participants with practical entrepreneurial skills required to launch and grow successful startups.
During the 12-week programme, participants will learn how to:
- Validate customer problems and market opportunities
- Identify and understand target customers.
- Test business assumptions using real customer feedback.
- Build, improve, and refine their Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
- Develop practical and sustainable business models.
- Understand startup operations, pricing strategies, and financial management.
- Prepare investor-ready business plans and presentations.
- Position their startups for future growth and investment opportunities.
Benefits of the Programme
Successful applicants will gain access to valuable resources that can accelerate the growth of their startups.
Participants will receive:
1. A comprehensive 12-week hands-on startup incubation programme.
2. Practical business training delivered by experienced entrepreneurs.
3. One-on-one mentorship from successful founders and industry experts.
4. Access to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and regional innovation hubs.
5. Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners.
6. NIOM funding support for eligible early-stage startups.
7. Performance-based opportunities to access additional funding.
8. Exposure to investors and potential business partners.
9. Direct pathways into advanced iDICE Startup Bridge programmes, including the Growth Lab.
10. Membership in a growing community of innovative entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 26th July, 2026
SEE ALSO:Â Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) 2026 Recruitment Exercise Now Open Nationwide
How to Apply for Federal Government iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab 2026 Cohort 2
Interested applicants should complete the online application before the deadline and follow the application steps higlighted below:
Step 1: Visit the official iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab application portal.
Step 2: Complete the online application form with accurate personal and startup information.
Step 3: Provide details about your business idea, prototype, or MVP where required.
Step 4: Review your application carefully before submission.
Step 5: Submit your application and monitor your email for further communication.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues or delays.
Building a successful startup requires much more than having a great idea. Entrepreneurs need mentorship, market validation, funding opportunities, strategic guidance, and access to the right network.
The iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab is designed to provide these essential resources, helping founders build businesses capable of creating employment, solving local challenges, and contributing to Nigeria’s digital and creative economy.
The first cohort successfully supported 185 founders drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through a network of 49 innovation hubs nationwide. Cohort 2 aims to expand this impact by supporting even more promising entrepreneurs.
You can also visit Dailylight Channel Graduate Jobs Section, Internship Program, Recruitment Exercises, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk Section to explore and discover opportunities you are qualified to apply for.
