About the Program:
The Idea Hatch incubation programme (iHatch), an initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has become a pillar programme in supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning technology and innovation ecosystem. iHatch is a 3-month free intensive incubation programme designed to help Nigerian entrepreneurs refine their business ideas through a series of coaching, lectures, and boot camps, to generate viable and scalable business models. The incubation programme will focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology among the youth.
Benefits of the Program:
- MVP development and deployment
- Business support and Advisory
- Investment readiness
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Description of the Program:
- Early-stage founders will receive hands-on training and mentorship, equipping them with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to build and scale sustainable startups in Nigeria’s dynamic business landscape.
- Participants will gain insights into business model development, product-market fit, and investor readiness, ensuring they are well-prepared to attract funding and scale their solutions effectively.
- The programme will connect founders with industry experts, experienced mentors, and a network of fellow entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to accelerate startup growth.
- Selected startups will benefit from tailored support, including one-on-one coaching, pitch preparation, and access to funding opportunities to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
- iHatch’s Startup Support Programme is open to early-stage startups across Nigeria with innovative solutions, strong market potential, and founders who demonstrate a commitment to building impactful and scalable businesses.
- Startups will receive structured training on critical areas such as business development, legal and regulatory compliance, customer acquisition strategies, and financial management to enhance their operational efficiency.
- Beyond training, founders will be supported with real-world exposure through networking events, demo days, and investor matchmaking sessions designed to help them secure partnerships and investment.
- Startups from diverse industries, including fintech, healthtech, agritech, edtech, and more, are encouraged to apply, as iHatch seeks to drive innovation and economic growth across multiple sectors.
- Through this initiative, iHatch aims to nurture high-potential startups that will contribute to job creation, technological advancement, and economic development across all 36 states and the FCT.
- By the end of the programme, founders will have a clear roadmap for scaling their startups, a strong support network, and the foundational knowledge to thrive in the competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants MUST have between 0-2 years of experience
- Applicants MUST have the following skills:
- Active Listening
- Business Continuity
- Planning
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Trouble Shooting
- Keeping Up With The Latest Trends
- Problem-solving
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Application Deadline:
Applications for the iHatch Cohort 4 Startup Support Programme are open fir entries until the 10th of May, 2025. Early applications are highly appreciated.
Application Process:
Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the iHatch Cohort 4 Startup Support Programme by accessing the scholarship application portal through the scholarship application link below:
We at Icanstudent wish you the very best in your application process. Don’t forget to follow the Icanstudent website for more information and guidelines
