The iDICE Startup Bridge programme has been launched by the Nigerian government to support startup founders across the country and accelerate innovation within the digital and creative economy. The initiative forms part of the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises framework, a government-backed strategy designed to strengthen Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and expand access to early-stage funding.
Through the iDICE Startup Bridge programme, policymakers aim to build a stronger pipeline of investable startups while supporting entrepreneurs at different stages of business development. The initiative introduces two key tracks. Founders Lab targets early-stage innovators, while Growth Lab focuses on startups ready to scale.
The programme reflects Nigeria’s increasing ambition to position itself as a major technology and innovation hub in Africa. With its large population, expanding internet penetration, and rapidly growing digital sector, the country already hosts some of the continent’s most dynamic startups.
Government officials believe that the iDICE Startup Bridge programme could play a major role in strengthening the early-stage innovation environment. Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the iDICE Steering Committee, described the programme as a major opportunity for young entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that the initiative could reshape enterprise development across the country by giving founders structured support and access to capital.
The programme operates within the broader iDICE initiative, which aims to mobilise large-scale investment into Nigeria’s digital and creative industries. The initiative benefits from support from major development partners, including the Bank of Industry, the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank.
Together, these partners intend to channel hundreds of millions of dollars into Nigeria’s startup ecosystem over time. By strengthening the funding environment, policymakers hope to help innovative companies grow faster and attract international investors.
At the heart of the iDICE Startup Bridge programme lies the Founders Lab, a 12-week training and mentorship initiative designed for early-stage entrepreneurs. The programme targets founders who are still developing ideas or working on prototypes.
Participants will receive mentorship, educational resources, and structured guidance throughout the programme. The goal is to help entrepreneurs validate the problems they want to solve, design viable business models, and develop minimum viable products that can attract investors.
Cindy Ezerioha, Head of Startup School at the initiative, explained that the programme focuses on founders who may not yet qualify for venture capital funding. Many entrepreneurs at the earliest stages struggle to access capital because their ideas are still evolving.
The iDICE Startup Bridge programme aims to close that gap by helping founders build stronger startups before approaching investors.
At the end of the programme, the top 100 founders will each receive grants worth ₦10 million. In total, the government plans to distribute up to ₦1 billion through this stage of the initiative.
The programme also intends to expand access beyond Nigeria’s traditional technology hubs such as Lagos and Abuja. Organisers say they will collaborate with innovation hubs across the country to ensure participation from multiple regions.
This approach aims to make the iDICE Startup Bridge programme more inclusive while encouraging entrepreneurship in areas that historically received less startup support.
In addition, organisers plan to run two cohorts of the Founders Lab each year. The first cohort is expected to include at least 250 startups. Over time, the initiative could train hundreds of entrepreneurs annually.
The programme will also provide practical support to participating founders. Entrepreneurs will receive stipends to help cover operational expenses such as internet access and workspace costs.
Beyond funding, the iDICE Startup Bridge programme has developed partnerships with several technology and business support organizations. These partnerships will give startups access to cloud technology credits, workspace vouchers, and professional advisory services.
Industry experts will also contribute to the programme through mentorship and masterclasses. One notable participant is entrepreneur Sim Shagaya, founder of Miva University, who will deliver training sessions for startup founders.
Meanwhile, the programme builds on earlier investments made under the iDICE initiative. Recently, the initiative supported Ventures Platform’s $64 million venture fund and announced plans to establish two additional investment funds.
Ventures Platform currently serves as the programme’s fund manager and administrator. Its involvement provides additional expertise in venture capital and startup development.
Later in the year, the iDICE Startup Bridge programme will expand through the launch of the Growth Lab track. Unlike Founders Lab, which focuses on idea-stage startups, Growth Lab will target companies already showing market traction.
Selected startups in Growth Lab may receive equity investment of up to $100,000. Participants could also qualify for an additional $125,000 in matching funding once they complete the programme.
These investments aim to help startups scale operations, strengthen governance structures, and prepare for larger funding rounds.
Founders participating in the iDICE Startup Bridge programme may also gain exposure through a national pitch competition. During the competition, startups will present their businesses to investors and industry leaders.
Organisers say the selection process will focus on several factors. Evaluators will examine the founder’s leadership ability, the scalability of the solution, and the startup’s commitment to completing the programme.
The initiative also aims to improve gender inclusion within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. Programme leaders have indicated that they will work to ensure broader representation of female entrepreneurs.
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years, producing globally recognized technology companies and attracting significant international investment. However, many early-stage founders still face barriers when seeking funding and mentorship.
The iDICE Startup Bridge programme seeks to address these challenges by combining training, grants, and venture capital support within a single framework.
By strengthening the startup pipeline and providing early capital, the initiative hopes to unlock new innovation across Nigeria’s digital economy.
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the programme represents a rare opportunity to transform an idea into a viable business. If successful, the initiative could significantly reshape Nigeria’s startup landscape and position the country as a leading innovation hub in Africa.
