Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is set for another major boost as the iHatch Nationwide Incubation Programme opens applications for startups and innovation hubs across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The programme, Nigeria’s first truly nationwide incubation initiative, is designed to strengthen both startups and the innovation hubs supporting them through a decentralised, hub-first model. Unlike many accelerator programmes that focus only on startup founders, iHatch is structured to build long-term innovation infrastructure across the country by empowering local hubs to continue supporting entrepreneurs beyond the programme cycle.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Office for National Digital Innovation (ONDI), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The programme will run for 10 months, split into two phases. The first five months will focus on training and certifying innovation hubs nationwide, while the remaining five months will centre on startup incubation and development.
Selected hubs will undergo onboarding, training, assessments, and tiered certification designed to improve their ability to support founders within their communities.
Following the hub-training phase, selected startups will move into incubation, where they will receive support in areas such as minimum viable product (MVP) development, legal incorporation, market validation, and sector-specific business training.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship and monitoring sessions involving industry experts, ecosystem leaders, and business coaches. The programme will include real-time performance tracking and continuous support aimed at improving startup outcomes.
At the end of the incubation cycle, startups will participate in regional and national demo days where they will engage investors, showcase their solutions, and access post-programme support opportunities.
The iHatch programme is also expected to contribute to job creation, startup growth, and investment readiness by helping founders build market-ready products capable of attracting funding and scaling into local and international markets.
Participating startups may gain access to equity-free grants, investment opportunities, mentorship, networking opportunities, and market exposure.
The programme is open to early-stage startups, tech and tech-enabled founders, problem-driven innovators, and entrepreneurs ready to scale practical solutions addressing real challenges within Nigeria.
Priority sectors for the programme include FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, EdTech, CleanTech, and Logistics and Security solutions.
The programme will additionally support startups working on environmental sustainability, clean energy solutions, logistics innovation, civic technology, and security-focused products.
Interested startups and innovation hubs can apply through the official application portal at ONDI iHatch Application Portal https://ondi.nitda.gov.ng/.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
