The Federal Government has unveiled the iDICE Startup Bridge, a nationwide initiative designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage tech founders across Nigeria.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, the programme is expected to support more than 500 start-ups through structured training, grants, and equity investment.
The initiative operates under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme and is implemented by the Bank of Industry, with funding from the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and Islamic Development Bank.
The iDICE Startup Bridge aims to strengthen Nigeria’s start-up ecosystem, expand access to capital, and create jobs within the digital and creative sectors.
The programme features two key pathways. The Founders Lab, currently open for applications, targets idea-stage and early prototype founders with a 12-week training programme, mentorship, and grants of up to N10 million for top-performing participants.
A second phase, the Growth Lab, will focus on post-minimum viable product start-ups with proven traction, offering up to $100,000 in equity investment alongside support to scale operations and attract additional funding.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, said the initiative is aimed at unlocking sustainable jobs and promoting economic inclusion for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
He noted that the programme provides young entrepreneurs with the tools and opportunities needed to build and scale viable businesses.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry, Olasupo Olusi, highlighted the bank’s commitment to enterprise development, revealing that N43 billion was disbursed to digital and creative projects in 2025 alone.
He urged interested entrepreneurs to apply for the Founders Lab before the April 20, 2026 deadline.
Also speaking, the Head of Founders Lab, Cindy Ezerioha, described the programme as a structured pathway that helps transform ideas into viable, investment-ready businesses.
Over time, the iDICE Startup Bridge is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s innovation pipeline, positioning the country as a key hub for digital and creative enterprise development in Africa.
