Nigeria’s federal government has launched the iDICE Startup Bridge, a two-track programme providing idea-stage founders grants of up to ₦10 million ($7,215) and $100,000 in equity for post-MVP startups.
- Nigeria’s federal government has launched the iDICE Startup Bridge, a two-track programme providing idea-stage founders grants of up to ₦10...
- Delivered through the Bank of Industry, the iDICE Startup Bridge is part of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises...
- Founders Lab invites idea-stage startups across Nigeria’s 36 states The iDICE Startup Bridge opened applications for its first pathway, the Founders...
- Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the iDICE Steering Committee, said the programme “gives young entrepreneurs across the country a...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Bank of Industry grants — everything you need to know is covered below.
Delivered through the Bank of Industry, the iDICE Startup Bridge is part of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) initiative, with funding drawn from the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank.
Founders Lab invites idea-stage startups across Nigeria’s 36 states
The iDICE Startup Bridge opened applications for its first pathway, the Founders Lab, on March 16 — a 12-week programme built for founders still shaping their ideas or sitting on early prototypes, walking them through business validation, model development, and MVP creation.
While 250 founders will gain access to mentorship and capacity-building each year, only the top 100 who meet programme milestones walk away with grants up to ₦10 million each, totalling as much as ₦1 billion in annual funding.
According to Cindy Ezerioha, Head of Startup School at iDICE Startup Bridge, founders will be taught how to validate the problems they choose to solve, structure their businesses, and develop a minimum viable product during the 12-week programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the iDICE Steering Committee, said the programme “gives young entrepreneurs across the country a real opportunity to build or scale.”
Growth Lab offers $100K and investors to post-MVP startups
The bigger cheque comes later. When the Growth Lab launches in 2026, selected post-MVP startups stand to receive $100,000 in equity investment, targeted governance support, and a route into follow-on funding, with an additional $125,000 in matching funds available for founders who see the programme through.
The Bank of Industry has disbursed ₦636 billion to enterprises across sectors, with ₦43 billion going to digital and creative projects. Bank of Industry CEO Dr. Olasupo Olusi said: “We are happy to replicate our success over time with the iDICE Startup Bridge as well.”
Applications for the Founders Lab close on April 20, 2026, and will be evaluated through a merit-based selection process.
Interested founders can apply at www.idicestartupbridge.ng.