News Highlights:
- NITDA and JICA’s iHatch Cohort 4 program will support 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs across all 36 states and the FCT.
- The program targets startups in fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, logistics, and civic tech, aiming to create 1,000 jobs.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has unveiled iHatch Cohort 4, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
NITDA through a statement by Mrs Hadiza Umar, its Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations is therefore, inviting applications from Startups and innovation hubs nationwide for the program.
The Agency noted that the application process is open to innovators and ecosystem builders committed to driving sustainable solutions in Nigeria.
The program which was officially launched in October 2024 to January 2025, will support 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs across the country to enhance their capacity to scale and compete in both local and global markets.
iHatch Cohort 4 is a critical part of NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy, designed to foster entrepreneurship, drive economic growth, and create jobs by providing startups with tailored mentorship, training, and investment readiness.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on economic diversification and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.
iHatch Cohort 4 offers a dual approach by providing tailored mentorship, training, and investment readiness support for startups while enhancing the capacity of innovation hubs to serve as incubators.
The initiative will focus on high-impact sectors, including fintech, agritech, healthtech, logistics, edtech, and civic tech, ensuring a broad reach and significant impact.
Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), emphasized the program’s transformative potential. “Through our partnership with JICA and local innovation hubs, we are building a more inclusive and vibrant digital economy in Nigeria.
“iHatch Cohort 4 will accelerate the growth of the startup ecosystem by equipping innovators with the resources and knowledge they need to turn their ideas into impactful businesses,” she said.
The iHatch Cohort 4 will feature nationwide reach, ensuring equitable support for startups and innovation hubs across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Cohort will ensure capacity building, promoting training for hubs to enhance mentorship, facilities, and networking, while fostering international partnerships.
It will also feature Sectoral focus where special attention will be paid to scalable solutions in high-growth industries like fintech and agritech.
The Cohort will also feature a Demo Day and create investment opportunities for Startups to pitch to investors, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders for funding and partnerships.
The expected outcomes of the Cohort would include 90% of startups incorporating with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); 80% developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for market testing; 30% securing investments, grants, or partnerships; Creation of 1,000 direct and indirect jobs; and 70% of startups achieving operational sustainability six months post-program.
By empowering startups and hubs, iHatch Cohort 4 aims to catalyze economic diversification, innovation-driven enterprise growth, and technology-driven solutions, positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
The iHatch Cohort 4 program aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which seeks to build a strong knowledge economy and encourage innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs).