Every big startup starts with an idea.
Sometimes it’s just a thought in your notes app.
Sometimes it’s a side project you’ve been quietly working on.
And sometimes, all you really need is the right support to finally take that next step.
That’s what iHatch Cohort 5 is about.
The Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), an initiative of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has officially opened applications for iHatch Cohort 5, a programme designed to support early-stage startup founders across Nigeria.
Whether you’re still shaping your idea or already building your MVP, iHatch is built to help founders move from “trying to figure it out” to actually building with structure, guidance, and community support.
So, What Exactly Is iHatch?
iHatch is more than just another startup programme.
It’s a founder-focused incubation experience created to help early-stage innovators learn, connect, build, and grow within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Through partnerships with innovation hubs across the country, selected founders will gain access to hands-on support, practical learning, mentorship, and opportunities that can help move their ideas forward.
The goal is simple:
Help promising Nigerian founders build solutions that can create real impact.
What Founders Will Get
Selected participants will gain access to:
Hands-on startup and business training
Mentorship from experienced ecosystem professionals
Access to innovation hubs and founder communities
Networking and collaboration opportunities
Practical support for refining ideas and building products
Exposure to Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem
Rather than focusing only on theory, iHatch is designed around practical learning, problem-solving, and helping founders understand what it really takes to build.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you:
Have an idea, product, or early-stage prototype
Are passionate about solving real problems
Are ready to build a startup in Nigeria
Are 18 years or older
Have a team with relevant technical capacity
Started your startup within the last 2 years
Have not previously participated in iHatch
If you’ve been looking for the right environment to learn, connect, and move your startup idea forward, this could be your opportunity.
Why This Matters
Across Nigeria, young founders are building solutions in different communities and industries every day. But building alone can be difficult.
Access to mentorship, structure, community, and the right ecosystem can make a huge difference in helping founders stay focused and move forward with clarity.
That’s why ONDI and NITDA continue to invest in programmes like iHatch — to help strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers.
Applications Are Now Open
If you’re serious about building something meaningful, this might be the right place to start.
Apply now: iHatch Application Portal
Applications close on 27 May 2026.