iDICE Startup Bridge has opened applications for Growth Lab, a twelve-week acceleration programme that will select twelve tech-enabled Nigerian startups for structured growth support and up to $350,000 in funding. Applications close 19 August 2026.
Growth Lab is run under the Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, implemented by the Bank of Industry. Selected startups receive an initial $100,000 cash investment, or its naira equivalent, in exchange for 7.5% equity, with up to $250,000 in potential follow-on funding available if specific growth conditions are met.
The National Coordinator of the programme Ife Adebayo in an interview with Vanguard said, selected founders would get structured growth support, mentorship from industry experts, investment readiness coaching, and market expansion opportunities added to the funding package. Adebayo described the offer as giving founders structured growth support alongside the capital.
Growth Lab follows Founders Lab, the earlier stage of the Startup Bridge pathway that supports idea-stage founders. Adebayo told Vanguard that Growth Lab is built for startups that have already developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and are working to strengthen their business fundamentals ahead of raising outside investment.
Applications are open to tech-enabled startups that have operated for no more than twelve months, with founders resident in any of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Eligible startups must be past the MVP stage and show evidence of market validation through users, customers, pilot projects, partnerships, waitlists, or other signals of demand. The programme runs as a twelve-week hybrid experience; combining virtual sessions with two weeks of in-person sessions in Lagos focused on collaboration and business growth, Adebayo told Vanguard.
Applications remain open through 19 August 2026, with female founders specifically encouraged to apply.
Startups can apply at www.idicestartupbridge.ng
According to the programme’s website, selection is competitive and based on four criteria which are; founder experience and credibility, product traction and validation, market size and opportunity, and growth potential and scalability.
Discover more from Scalepoint Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
