In a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University has partnered with the Equinix Foundation to launch SparkLab, a one-year incubation programme designed to empower early-stage entrepreneurs, technopreneurs, and startups across the country. The initiative seeks to equip founders with the skills, mentorship, networks, and support required to build scalable and sustainable businesses.
The programme, unveiled in Lagos, will provide participating startups with six months of intensive incubation focused on idea validation, business model development, market testing, investor readiness, and pitching opportunities. This will be followed by an additional six months of implementation support, mentorship, and ecosystem engagement to help entrepreneurs transition from concept to market-ready ventures.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, described SparkLab as more than an incubation programme, noting that it is intended to serve as a launchpad for innovative entrepreneurs seeking to create meaningful impact through technology and innovation. According to her, participants will receive support throughout their entrepreneurial journey—from refining ideas and validating market demand to developing sustainable business models and engaging potential investors.
The partnership marks EDC’s first incubation initiative specifically targeted at early-stage entrepreneurs. Okekearu noted that the collaboration with the Equinix Foundation reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities for young innovators and strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
On its part, the Equinix Foundation said the initiative aligns with its mission of advancing digital inclusion and expanding economic opportunities through technology. Managing Director of Equinix West Africa, Wole Abu, stated that many young entrepreneurs possess exceptional creativity and ambition but often lack access to the right tools, mentorship, infrastructure, and networks needed to transform ideas into viable businesses. SparkLab, he said, aims to bridge that gap.
Abu further emphasized the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises in driving economic growth, adding that technology has removed geographical barriers and opened up unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs to access customers, markets, and information globally.
The organisers expressed optimism that SparkLab will nurture a new generation of investment-ready ventures capable of creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s digital economy.