NITDA, JICA Launch iHatch Cohort 4 to Empower 185 Nigerian Startups
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NITDA, JICA Launch iHatch Cohort 4 to Empower 185 Nigerian Startups
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced the launch of iHatch Cohort 4, an initiative designed to support Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem.
This program is a critical part of NITDA’s Digital Economy Policy, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, driving economic growth, and creating jobs.
iHatch Cohort 4 will provide 185 startups and 37 innovation hubs across Nigeria with the resources they need to scale and succeed in local and global markets.
INCNews247 reports that the program’s dual approach will equip startups with tailored mentorship, training, and investment readiness, while also strengthening the capacity of innovation hubs to act as sustainable incubators for local entrepreneurs.
This comprehensive support system is designed to help startups refine their business models and develop scalable products, while also enhancing the ability of innovation hubs to provide mentorship, facilities, networking, and access to funding.
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iHatch Cohort 4 is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, focusing on economic diversification and the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The program also supports Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which seeks to build a strong knowledge economy and encourage innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs).
The program aims to achieve significant outcomes, including supporting startups from all 36 states and the FCT, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
It also focuses on providing tailored support to startups operating in high-impact sectors such as fintech, agritech, and healthtech.
Startups will participate in a Demo Day to pitch their business ideas to investors, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders, aiming to secure funding and partnerships.
The program also targets creating 1,000 direct and indirect jobs through the startup and hub ecosystem, with 70% of startups expected to remain operational six months after the program.
Applications for startups and innovation hubs are now open. Interested applicants can apply through the official iHatch website. For more information, please visit http://programs.startup.gov.ng/ihatch, or follow NITDANigeria and ONDINigeria on social media.
