iDICE Startup Bridge Opens Applications For Growth Lab Programme

The iDICE Startup Bridge, an initiative under the federal government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI), has opened applications for its Growth Lab, a 12-week accelerator programme designed to support high-potential Nigerian startups.

According to the organisers, the programme will select 12 tech-enabled startups from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones for intensive business acceleration, investment readiness training, mentorship and access to funding of up to $350,000, adding that the Growth Lab represents the next phase of the iDICE Startup Bridge founder support initiative, following the implementation of the Founders Lab, which focuses on helping idea-stage entrepreneurs validate and refine their business concepts.

Speaking on the programme, National Coordinator of iDICE Startup Bridge, Ife Adebayo, said selected startups would receive structured growth support, investment readiness training, access to industry experts, market expansion opportunities, and an initial investment of $100,000 or its naira equivalent in exchange for 7.5 per cent equity, subject to terms and conditions.

He added that participating startups could also qualify for follow-on investment of up to $250,000 upon meeting specified growth milestones.

Adebayo said the programme is open to tech-enabled startups that have operated for not more than 12 months, with founders resident in any of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

According to him, eligible startups must have progressed beyond the MVP stage, demonstrate market validation through customers, users, partnerships, pilot projects, waitlists or other indicators of demand, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme.

He explained that the 12-week programme would combine virtual sessions with two weeks of physical engagement in Lagos, where participants would collaborate, receive mentorship and undergo intensive business development training.

He also encouraged female founders to apply, noting that the selection process would be merit-based and conducted in line with published evaluation criteria.