iDICE Startup Bridge Founders Lab
iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab is a 12-week capacity-building programme under the iDICE Startup Bridge initiative, designed to help early-stage founders take the first structured steps in building a digital or technical business.
Founders Lab is built for people who are at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey—whether
you are starting with an idea, a prototype, or an early
MVP—and need structure, guidance, and practical
support to take the first real step in building a business.
The programme focuses on learning by doing, helping founders move from an idea to a more defined product and business plan, with funding layered in to support progress.
Who Founders Lab is For
Founders Lab is designed for founders who:
- Have an idea or prototype
- Are interested in building a digital or tech enterprise
- Have plans to operate in Nigeria.
- Want to better understand their market, customers, and business model
- Are ready to commit time and effort to structured learning and execution
Move From Idea to a Real, Working Business
iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab is designed to support founders through the early journey of building a business, including:
Turning an idea into a clear problem and solution
Validating whether real customers need what you are building
Designing or improving an MVP or early product
Developing a simple, practical business model
Creating an initial business plan and execution roadmap
Understanding basic operations, pricing, and costs
iDICE Startup Bridge – Founder Lab is designed to support founders through the early journey of building a business, including:
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, applicants must meet the following criteria
- Business is at idea or market validation stage
- Business will operate from any of the 36+ states in Nigeria + FCT Abuja
- Founder is at least 18 to 35 years.
- Ability to commit to a 12-week structured programme
- Willingness to participate in learning sessions, assignments, evaluations, and Demo Day activities
Programme Structure
Founders Lab runs for 12 weeks and is structured to guide aspiring
entrepreneurs step by step through the early stages of building a startup
Over the course of the programme, founders are supported to:
01.
Clarify the problem they are solving and who they are solving it for
02.
Test assumptions with real users and customers
03.
Design, build, or improve an MVP or prototype
04.
Develop a simple and realistic business model
05.
Understand basic operations, pricing, and costs
06.
Build a clear and practical business plan
07.
Prepare for the next stage of growth or support
01
Clarify the problem they are solving and who they are solving it for
02
Test assumptions with real users and customers
03
Design, build, or improve an MVP or prototype
04
Develop a simple and realistic business model
05
Understand basic operations, pricing, and costs
06
Build a clear and practical business plan
07
Prepare for the next stage of growth or support
Learning is delivered through:
How Funding Works in iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab
Funding is a core component of iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, but it is designed to enable execution, not substitute for it. Access to funding is earned through active participation, demonstrated performance, and measurable progress throughout the programme.
Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to ₦10,000,000 to support the early execution and launch of their businesses. Funding eligibility is subject to final evaluation, compliance with programme milestones, and alignment with iDICE investment criteria.
- STAGE 1/3
Founders Lab Completion Grant
Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme and meet all participation and learning requirements may become eligible to apply for available builder grants.
Grant access is conditional upon meeting programme criteria and satisfactory assessment of progress.
- MVP development or refinement
- MVP development or refinement
- MVP development or refinement
- STAGE 2/3
Demo Day – Outstanding Ideas
During the programme, founders who demonstrate exceptional progress, clarity, and execution may be selected to pitch at a Founders Lab Demo Day.
This stage recognises Participants who show strong potential early and need additional support to accelerate their ideas.
Selected Participants at this stage may be eligible for additional grant support to further build their MVPs.
- STAGE 3/3
National Startup Bridge Demo Day
At the end of the year, startups that demonstrate clear proof of growth, traction, and progress across Founders Lab and subsequent support may be invited to pitch on a national iDICE Startup Bridge stage.
Details for this stage are communicated closer to the event and are based strictly on performance and readiness.
Startups selected for this stage will be considered for:
- Additional funding
- Broader ecosystem and partner exposure
- Support to scale their businesses
How Funding Works in Startup Bridge – Founders Lab
Funding is a core component of iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab, but it is designed to enable execution, not substitute for it. Access to funding is earned through active participation, demonstrated performance, and measurable progress throughout the programme.
Participants who successfully complete all programme requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to ₦10,000,000 to support the early execution and launch of their businesses. Funding eligibility is subject to final evaluation, compliance with programme milestones, and alignment with iDICE investment criteria.
- STAGE 1/3
Founders Lab Completion Grant
Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme and meet all participation and learning requirements may become eligible to apply for available builder grants.
Grant access is conditional upon meeting programme criteria and satisfactory assessment of progress.
- STAGE 2/3
Demo Day – Outstanding Ideas
Participants who successfully complete the 12-week programme and meet all participation and learning requirements may become eligible to apply for available builder grants.
Grant access is conditional upon meeting programme criteria and satisfactory assessment of progress.
- STAGE 3/3
National Startup Bridge Demo Day
At the end of the year, startups that demonstrate clear proof of growth, traction, and progress across Founder Lab and subsequent support may be invited to pitch on a national Startup Bridge stage.
Details for this stage are communicated closer to the event and are based strictly on performance and readiness.
Startups selected for this stage will be considered for:
- Additional funding
- Broader ecosystem and partner exposure
- Support to scale their businesses
Programme Benefits
Founders who participate in iDICE Startup Bridge – Founders Lab gain access to:
01.
Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage execution
02.
A structured, founder-focused curriculum
03.
Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts
04.
Peer learning and founder community
05.
Access to regional hubs and support networks
06.
Performance-based access to funding opportunities
07.
Clear pathways to further iDICE Startup Bridge support, including Growth Lab
Programme Benefits
Founders who participate in Startup Bridge – Founder Lab gain access to:
01
Practical tools and frameworks for early-stage execution
02
A structured, founder-focused curriculum
03
Mentorship from experienced founders and ecosystem experts
04
Peer learning and founder community
05
Access to regional hubs and support networks
06
Performance-based access to funding opportunities
07
Clear pathways to further Startup Bridge support, including Growth Lab
What Founders Lab is and is Not
The focus is on setting the right foundation for the business you aspire to build
- Founders Lab Is
Founders Lab Is
- A structured learning and execution programme
- Designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs take the first serious step
- Focused on building viable, real businesses
- Founders Lab is not
Founders Lab is not
- A guaranteed funding programme
- A shortcut to scale
- A pitch competition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Founders Lab?
Founders Lab is the early-stage capacity-building track under iDICE Startup Bridge designed for idea-stage and Pre-MVP stage founders. It supports entrepreneurs in validating their business model, building execution discipline, and preparing for structured funding pathways.
Who is Founders Lab for?
It is for:
- Idea-stage founders building tech-enabled or digital enterprises
- Founders seeking structured support to build their startups
Is funding guaranteed?
No. Funding is performance-based. Completion of programme requirements makes participants eligible for consideration but it does not guarantee funding.
What type of funding is available?
Participants who complete all programme requirements may be eligible for non-equity funding of up to ₦7,000,000 to support business launch and early execution.
Does the programme take equity?
No. Founders Lab funding is non-equity based.
What determines funding eligibility?
Eligibility is assessed based on:
- Programme participation and attendance
- Milestone completion
- Business viability
- Execution readiness
- Compliance with documentation requirements
How long does the programme run?
Each cohort runs for 12 weeks, with mandatory physical sessions at designated hubs
Is participation mandatory for funding consideration?
Yes. Funding eligibility is tied to active participation and completion of required programme components.
What are the core outcomes expected from participants?
By the end of the programme, founders should have:
- A validated problem-solution fit
- Defined target market
- MVP or product roadmap
- Financial projections
- Execution plan
Is the programme virtual or physical?
Delivery will include mostly virtual sessions, as well as some physical workshops in partner hubs
What sectors are eligible?
The programme supports digital and technical enterprises aligned with iDICE priorities, including technology-enabled businesses.
Can serial founders apply?
Yes. Experienced founders may apply; however, participation requirements remain consistent across cohorts.
What happens after Founders Lab?
High-performing startups may progress toward structured funding pathways such as the Growth Lab or further ecosystem support, depending on readiness and risk threshold.
What documentation is required?
Participants may be required to provide:
- CAC documentation (if incorporated)
- Valid government identification
- Financial projections
How are startups selected?
Applications are reviewed on problem clarity, market potential, team capability, and execution readiness.
Can I apply if I’ve received previous funding?
Yes, provided you are still at the early validation stage.
Can I apply if I’ve received previous funding?
Yes, provided you are still at the early validation stage.
Apply Now for Founders Lab
Participants who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply Applications are reviewed through a multi-stage screening and validation process
