IIH SHIFT Programme 2026

Applications are now open for the IIH SHIFT Programme 2026, a 12 week commercialisation programme designed to identify, train, fund, and support Nigerian entrepreneurs developing deep technology and frontier technology solutions. The programme is organised by the Ilorin Innovation Hub, delivered with Co creation HUB, and backed by the Kwara State Government and IHS Towers Nigeria.

SHIFT, which stands for Scaling Homegrown Innovations and Frontier Technologies, is designed to move promising technical ideas beyond the early development stage and toward commercialisation. The programme focuses on founders building defensible technology solutions that can address important challenges and contribute to Africa’s future.

The programme is suitable for student and research innovators, early stage startups, and local small and medium sized enterprises seeking to develop, launch, digitise, or scale technology driven solutions. Applicants can enter with an idea or prototype, while more established startups with working products, early users, or revenue can also apply through the appropriate programme track.

Selected participants will receive structured training, mentorship, technical resources, ecosystem connections, workspace opportunities, and access to funding. Depending on the stage of the venture, successful applicants can receive up to ₦5 million in equity free funding. The programme will also provide opportunities to connect with investors, corporates, universities, and government institutions.

About the Programme

The IIH SHIFT Programme is a venture creation and commercialisation initiative focused on homegrown innovation. Rather than concentrating only on conventional software applications, SHIFT seeks technical founders developing technology solutions with the potential to solve real problems and create sustainable businesses.

The programme is structured to support ventures at different stages of development. Idea stage teams can receive assistance to validate their problem, strengthen their prototype, and prepare for market development. Startups with working products and early traction can receive more advanced support focused on commercialisation, growth, customers, partnerships, and investment readiness.

The 12 week programme combines entrepreneurship education with practical support. Participants will take part in masterclasses, workshops, mentorship, technical activities, and opportunities to engage with organisations that can help move their solutions toward wider adoption.

The programme will culminate in a Demo Day where participating founders can showcase their ventures and pursue opportunities for pilots, partnerships, investment, and additional funding.

Programme Benefits

Successful participants will receive:

• Up to ₦2 million in equity free funding for qualifying idea stage teams.

• Up to ₦5 million in equity free funding for qualifying startups with working products and early traction.

• Structured masterclasses in entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Practical workshops focused on commercialisation and venture development.

• Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and innovation professionals.

• Grants or stipends and other programme resources.

• Access to co working space.

• Access to the IIH demo lab.

• Connections to investors and corporate organisations.

• Opportunities to connect with universities and government institutions.

• Technical and innovation support.

• Opportunities to pursue pilots and commercial partnerships.

• A Demo Day platform for pitching ventures.

• Opportunities to pursue additional funding and investment.

Programme Areas

The programme supports technology driven solutions across areas including:

• CleanTech.

• HealthTech.

• EdTech.

• CreativeTech.

• Artificial intelligence.

• Frontier technologies.

• Digital transformation.

• Technology solutions addressing real world challenges.

The programme is particularly interested in solutions that can demonstrate technical potential, market relevance, and the ability to develop into sustainable ventures.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the IIH SHIFT Programme 2026 should meet the following requirements:

• Applicants should be Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, startups, or organisations developing technology driven solutions.

• Student innovators and research innovators with technology driven ideas are eligible to apply.

• Early stage startups seeking to launch or commercialise their products can apply.

• Local small and medium sized enterprises seeking to digitise or adopt new technology can apply.

• Applicants should have a technology driven idea, prototype, product, or solution.

• Teams should generally consist of 2 to 4 members.

• Teams should include at least one technical co founder.

• Idea stage applicants should have a validated problem and demonstrate commitment to developing the solution.

• Startup applicants should have a working product, initial users or revenue, and relevant operating experience where required for the more advanced track.

• Applicants should be prepared to commit fully to the programme.

The programme also encourages diverse teams. At least 30 percent of admitted teams are expected to include female founders or members from underserved communities.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide information about:

• The founder or founding team.

• The technology or innovation being developed.

• The problem the solution addresses.

• Evidence that the problem has been validated.

• The current stage of the idea, prototype, or startup.

• The team’s technical expertise.

• Existing prototype or working product, where applicable.

• Existing customers, users, or revenue, where applicable.

• The commercial potential of the solution.

• The commitment of the founding team.

• Other information requested through the application form.

Applicants should ensure that the information provided accurately represents the current stage of their innovation and clearly explains why the solution is relevant to the market.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is expected to focus on the strength and potential of the proposed technology solution and the ability of the founding team to develop it.

Important considerations include:

• Strength of the problem being addressed.

• Technical potential of the proposed solution.

• Evidence of problem validation.

• Stage and development potential of the venture.

• Technical capabilities of the founding team.

• Commercial potential.

• Potential for market adoption.

• Commitment of the founders.

• Potential for meaningful impact.

• Ability to benefit from the programme’s mentorship, technical resources, and commercialisation support.

Teams with diverse backgrounds and strong technical capabilities are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

1. Review the IIH SHIFT Programme requirements and identify the programme track that best matches the current stage of your innovation.
2. Develop a clear description of the problem your technology addresses and explain how your solution responds to that problem.
3. Prepare information about your founding team, including technical expertise and relevant experience.
4. Gather evidence of your prototype, working product, users, revenue, or other traction where applicable.
5. Prepare information about your market, commercial opportunity, and plans for developing the venture.
6. Complete the IIH SHIFT Programme 2026 online application form.
7. Review all information carefully and ensure that your application accurately reflects the current stage of your venture.