The Founders Lab Cohort 1 programme under the iDICE Startup Bridge, an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme and implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI), has reached its final stage, with 50 selected high-performing idea-stage founders receiving approximately N330,000,000 in non-dilutive funding for continued venture development.
Founders Lab was created to provide idea-stage founders with the support, funding opportunities, and ecosystem connections needed to move from concept to execution. Through a hybrid learning model, participants are guided through the process of validating problems, refining solutions, testing business models, and developing the capabilities required to build sustainable ventures.
From the beginning of the programme, each participating innovator received stipend to support their learning activities. As the cohort progressed through structured learning, assessments, expert-led masterclasses, advisory sessions, peer-to-peer engagement and hub-based activities, participants were assessed on their progress and performance. Through this process, participants were able to refine their ideas and develop them into stronger early-stage concepts.
Based on the progress shown throughout the programme, 50 high-performing participants representing individuals from the country’s 6 geopolitical zones have been selected to receive a Federal Government support of N5,700,000 each, to continue development and execution of their ventures across Nigeria. This funding recognises the progress they have demonstrated throughout the programme and provides additional resources to move their ideas forward.
“Through Founders Lab, we have seen what’s possible when participants apply what they have learned, test their…
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