The iDICE Startup Bridge Programme has been launched, introducing a structured pathway designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The iDICE Startup Bridge operates under the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The programme forms part of a coordinated national effort to unlock job creation, strengthen enterprise development and expand access to capital within Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors, a statement by the scheme promoters said.

Recognising that founders at different stages require different kinds of support, the iDICE Startup Bridge is delivered through two pathways: Founders Lab, which is now open to applications. It is a 12-week capacity-building programme designed for idea-stage and early prototype founders.

The pathway focuses on validation, business model development and MVP creation, supported by a structured curriculum delivered by expert facilitators. Each year, 250 participants are to receive capacity-building support and mentoring, while 100 high-performing participants will be awarded grants of up to N10,000,000 to support product development or the launch of their ventures.

Growth Lab, scheduled to launch in a subsequent phase, is designed for post-MVP startups, demonstrating traction, revenue potential and operational readiness.

All selected startups will receive $100,000 (or naira-equivalent) in equity investment, alongside support to scale operations, strengthen governance and refine their fundraising strategy.

The programme will provide a direct pipeline to institutional investors to enable follow-on funding. Startups that secure additional investment from qualified external investors may also access match funding.

Over successive cohorts, the iDICE Startup Bridge is expected to support more than 500 Nigerian tech startups nationwide, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s innovation pipeline and expanding access to structured early-stage capital.

On the significance, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the iDICE Steering Committee, noted: “iDICE (Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises) was created to unlock sustainable jobs and economic inclusion for Nigeria’s youthful population. This programme, created under the iDICE umbrella, gives young entrepreneurs across the country a real opportunity to build or scale, and we are confident in its ability to reshape early-stage enterprise development and innovation outcomes over time.”

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Olasupo Olusi, reaffirmed the bank’s role in strengthening the country’s innovation pipeline.

“As the implementing agency of the iDICE Programme, the Bank of Industry is proud to support the iDICE Startup Bridge through which we are creating clear pathways for ideas to become enterprises, and enterprises to become engines of growth.

“In 2025, we achieved a record total disbursement of N636 billion to enterprises across various sectors in Nigeria, marking the largest annual disbursement in the bank’s history and reinforcing our position as the nation’s leading development finance institution for industrial and enterprise growth. Out of this figure, N43 billion was disbursed to projects in the creative and digital sectors. We are happy to replicate our success over time with the iDICE Startup Bridge as well,” he said.

Head of Founders Lab, iDICE Startup Bridge, Cindy Ezerioha, highlighted the programme’s structured approach, saying:

“Founders Lab is a bridge that connects potential to proof, and proof to capital. Each cohort will support 125 aspiring entrepreneurs, with a clear target of ensuring progress from concept to validated business models. This programme is built for people with innovative ideas, early prototypes, or unanswered questions about how to take their first real step.”