Empowering Nigeria’s Innovation: NITDA and JICA Launch iHatch Cohort 4
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA December, 2024 -With the theme Fostering Innovation, Building Ecosystems, Scaling Startups.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has unveiled iHatch Cohort 4, an initiative aimed at driving innovation, supporting startups, and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
The program, which runs from October 2024 to January 2025, is set to empower 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs nationwide, aligning with NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. This initiative seeks to promote economic diversification, create jobs, and prepare startups for both local and global markets through mentorship, training, and investment readiness.
A Dual-Focus Approach
iHatch Cohort 4 stands out for its comprehensive support to both startups and innovation hubs. Startups will refine their business models and develop scalable products, while innovation hubs will be equipped with enhanced capacity to serve as incubators for entrepreneurs.
Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation, emphasized, “iHatch Cohort 4 will accelerate the growth of Nigeria's startup ecosystem by equipping innovators with the knowledge, resources, and funding they need to turn their ideas into impactful businesses.”
Key Features of iHatch Cohort 4
Nationwide Impact: Entrepreneurs from all 36 states and the FCT will gain equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Sectoral Innovation: The program targets high-impact sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, logistics, edtech, and civic tech.
Capacity Building for Hubs: Innovation hubs will receive training and resources to enhance mentorship, networking, and funding support.
Investment Opportunities: A Demo Day will allow startups to pitch their ideas to investors, corporates, and stakeholders.
Targeted Outcomes
90% of startups will incorporate with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
80% will create Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) ready for market testing.
30% will secure funding through investors, grants, or partnerships.
1,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created.
70% of startups will remain operational six months post-program.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
iHatch Cohort 4 aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Nigerian Startup Act, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs). By focusing on both startups and hubs, the program drives economic diversification, technology-driven solutions, and global competitiveness.
How to Apply
Applications are open to startups and innovation hubs committed to building scalable, sustainable solutions in Nigeria. Interested participants can apply at programs.startup.gov.ng/ihatch. For updates, follow NITDA Nigeria and ONDI Nigeria on social media.
About NITDA
NITDA leads Nigeria’s IT development through policies, standards, and regulations, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to build a sustainable digital economy.
About JICA
JICA provides financial and technical support to developing nations, focusing on economic growth, sustainability, and human development.
The Press Release was signed by
Mrs. Hadiza Umar fnipr f.apra
Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations, NITDA.
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