The iHatch programme has opened applications for innovation hubs across Nigeria to serve as state-level hub managers for its fifth cohort, in a move aimed at strengthening support infrastructure for early-stage startups.
The initiative is being implemented by the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation under the National Information Technology Development Agency in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It is designed to improve the capacity of innovation hubs that provide incubation and mentorship support to emerging entrepreneurs.
Under the programme, one innovation hub will be selected from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, bringing the total number of hub managers to 37 nationwide.
Selected hubs will coordinate founder training, deliver incubation programmes aligned with national standards, support startup formalisation, and guide early-stage ventures toward growth readiness within their respective states.
The programme adopts a decentralised incubation model intended to expand access to structured startup support beyond major technology centres. Many early-stage entrepreneurs outside established innovation clusters operate with limited access to mentorship, funding networks, and structured incubation frameworks.
By strengthening innovation hubs, the programme aims to standardise incubation delivery across regions and improve the quality of support available to founders.
Eligibility requirements indicate that applicant hubs must have operated for at least one year, demonstrate experience in supporting startups or managing innovation programmes, show evidence of engagement within local technology ecosystems, and possess physical infrastructure suitable for incubation activities.
Industry observers note that strengthening intermediary organisations such as innovation hubs can play a key role in developing startup ecosystems by providing training frameworks, mentorship access, and operational support for emerging founders.
The initiative also seeks to promote collaboration between state-level hubs and national innovation stakeholders, with the goal of improving startup readiness before founders seek investment or expansion opportunities.
Applications for the hub manager roles are currently open and are scheduled to close on March 16.
