The Federal Government-backed Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme is seeking to strengthen the early-stage startup ecosystem through a new accelerator that will provide selected tech-enabled businesses with structured growth support and access to funding of up to $350,000.

The growth lab accelerator, implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI) under the iDICE Startup Bridge programme, will select 12 startups from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones for a 12-week programme focused on business growth, investment readiness, market expansion and access to industry experts.

According to a statement made available to journalists, the growth lab is the next stage of the startup-bridge founder support pathway. While the founder lab supports idea-stage innovators in validating and developing their ideas, the growth lab is designed for startups that have already gained early market traction and require the expertise, networks and investment needed to scale.

The statement described the programme as an accelerator for startups that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are seeking structured support to strengthen their businesses and prepare for external investment.

The National Coordinator of the programme, Ife Adebayo, said participating startups would receive business development support alongside access to funding opportunities.

Adebayo said: “Selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or naira equivalent) for 7.5 per cent equity upon entering the programme, subject to terms and conditions, and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.”

He explained that the programme is open to tech-enabled startups that have operated for no more than 12 months and whose founders reside in any of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

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

The programme will combine virtual sessions with two weeks of physical engagements in Lagos, where participants will focus on collaboration, learning and business growth.

Adebayo said applications will close on August 19, adding that interested founders can register through the programme’s portal.