The Nigerian government has opened applications for a new accelerator programme that will provide selected technology startups with access to up to $350,000 in investment.
The iDICE Startup Bridge Growth Lab is a 12-week acceleration programme under the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. It is being implemented by the Bank of Industry and will select 12 technology-enabled startups from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The programme is targeted at startups that have developed a minimum viable product, gained early market traction and require structured support to expand their businesses.
Participants will receive business growth support, investment-readiness training, access to industry experts, assistance with market expansion and connections to strategic business networks.
Selected startups will be eligible for an initial investment of $100,000, or its naira equivalent, in exchange for a 7.5 per cent equity stake. Startups that meet specified growth conditions may also qualify for up to $250,000 in follow-on investment, bringing the potential total funding available to each startup to $350,000.
The Growth Lab follows the programme’s Founders Lab, which supports entrepreneurs at the idea-development and validation stages. The Growth Lab will focus on businesses that have moved beyond the idea stage and are preparing to attract external investment.
Applications are open to technology-enabled startups that have been operating for no more than 12 months. Founders must reside in one of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and be available to participate fully in the programme.
The application window opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026. Female founders have been strongly encouraged to apply, while organisers said participants will be selected through a merit-based assessment process.
The initiative is expected to help promising Nigerian startups overcome early-stage financing challenges while strengthening their ability to attract institutional investors and expand their operations
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