Applications have opened for the Growth Lab accelerator programme under the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Startup Bridge initiative, offering selected Nigerian startups access to funding, mentorship, and business growth support.
The programme, implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI), will select 12 tech-enabled startups from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones for a 12-week acceleration programme focused on helping early-stage businesses scale and attract investment.
Growth Lab is designed for startups that have already developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and demonstrated early market traction. The initiative aims to strengthen business fundamentals, improve investment readiness, and connect founders with experienced mentors, industry experts, and market expansion opportunities.
According to the programme’s National Coordinator, Ife Adebayo, successful participants will receive structured business support, investment preparation, access to expert networks, and an initial investment of up to $100,000 (or its naira equivalent) in exchange for 7.5 percent equity, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
He added that startups meeting specific growth milestones during the programme could qualify for an additional investment of up to $250,000.
The accelerator is open to technology-driven startups that have been operating for no more than 12 months. Applicants must have reached the post-MVP stage, show evidence of customer or market validation through users, partnerships, pilots, waitlists, or other indicators of demand, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme.
The 12-week programme will combine virtual sessions with two weeks of physical activities in Lagos, where participants will engage in mentorship, networking, and business development activities.
Applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will remain open until August 19, 2026.
