Nigeria’s federal government launched the iDice Startup Bridge, a two-track program giving idea-stage founders grants of up to ₦10 million ($7,215) and equity investment of $100,000 for post-MVP startups, according to Techcabal.
The initiative will be executed by the Bank of Industry, with financial support from the African Development Bank, the Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank.
iDice will be part of the wider Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program, a federal initiative aligned with Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
“Founders Lab is a bridge that connects potential to proof, and proof to capital,” Cindy Ezerioha, Head of Founders Lab, iDICE Startup Bridge, said.
“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.
Supporting early-stage founders in Nigeria
iDice is a federal government initiative aimed at promoting investment in Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors. It launched in 2023 with a $617.7 million in funding. It made its first investment in 2025, supporting Ventures Platform, one of Africa’s most active seed-stage venture capital firms.
The growth lab
The first pathway under the Startup Bridge is the Founder Labs, with application opening on March 16. The 12-week initiative helps idea and early-stage founders through a structured curriculum delivered by expert facilitators. Those included in the program will receive building support and mentoring, with the top 100 founders receiving grants of up to ₦10,000,000 ($7,215) to support the launch of their businesses.
“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,” Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chairman of the iDICE Steering Committee, said.
Applications for the Founders Lab close on April 20, 2026. Apply here.
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Source Name : people of color in tech
