From ideas to validation: How startups can structure pathways

…iDICE dangles N10bn grants, training on new start-ups
By Juliet Umeh

Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has grown into one of Africa’s most vibrant innovation hubs, producing globally recognised companies and attracting billions of dollars in investment. From fintech platforms to health and logistics, startups are solving everyday problems and young technology companies have become a key driver of the country’s digital economy.

Industry analysts estimate that Nigeria’s technology and startup ecosystem now contributes between 10 and 20 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, reflecting the growing influence of digital services across the economy.

The sector has also attracted billions of dollars in venture capital funding over the past decade while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigeria’s young population.

However, despite these achievements, Nigeria’s startup ecosystem remains largely unstructured, with weak coordination, policy inconsistency and limited institutional support. As a result, many startups operate amid regulatory uncertainty, poor infrastructure and limited access to long-term financing.

But, in a major boost for the sector, an investment platform, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises, iDICE Startup Bridge has offered to offer structured pathways for technology entrepreneurs to move from idea to validation, and from early traction to scalable businesses.

The initiative, which is part of the broader iDICE programme, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation pipeline, provide access to early-stage capital, and create sustainable jobs across the country.

The programme is implemented by the Bank of Industry, BOI, and financed by the African Development Bank, AfDB, Agence Française de Développement, AFD, and the Islamic Development Bank, IsDB. Its nationwide reach spans Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, targeting both aspiring and early-stage founders.

Recognizing that startups at different stages require tailored support, the iDICE Startup Bridge offers two distinct pathways: One of them include Founders Lab, a 12-week capacity-building programme, which has open for applications, is designed for idea-stage and early prototype founders. Participants benefit from mentoring, a structured curriculum, and support in validation, business model development, and minimum viable product, MVP, creation.

Each year, 250 participants will undergo the training, with 100 high-performing founders qualifying for grants of up to N10, 000,000 to help launch or develop their ventures.”

Also, Growth Lab, scheduled for a later phase, targets post-MVP startups with demonstrated traction and revenue potential.

The organizers said: “Selected startups will receive $100,000 or Naira-equivalent, in equity investment, along with guidance to scale operations, improve governance, and refine fundraising strategies.
“The programme will also facilitate direct engagement with institutional investors, and startups that secure additional external funding may access match funding.

Chairman of the iDICE Steering Committee, Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted the strategic importance of the programme.

He said: “iDICE was created to unlock sustainable jobs and economic inclusion for Nigeria’s youthful population. This programme 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 CEO of BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, reiterated the bank’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. “As the implementing agency of the iDICE Programme, BOI is proud to support the Startup Bridge, creating clear pathways for ideas to become enterprises, and enterprises to become engines of growth. In 2025 alone, BOI disbursed a record N636 billion to enterprises nationwide, including N43 billion to projects in the creative and digital sectors,” he noted.

Head of Founders Lab described the programme’s structured approach: “Founders Lab is a bridge that connects potential to proof, and proof to capital. Each cohort supports 125 aspiring entrepreneurs, ensuring progress from concept to validated business models. This programme is built for individuals with innovative ideas, early prototypes, or questions about how to take their first step.”

Applications for Founders Lab open on March 16, 2026, and close on April 20, 2026. Interested founders can apply at the site through a merit-based evaluation process.

Over successive cohorts, the iDICE Startup Bridge is expected to support more than 500 Nigerian startups, enhancing the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and expanding access to structured early-stage capital. For Nigeria’s aspiring founders, the programme represents a clear, structured pathway from ideas to validated, scalable businesses.

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