Apply Now: IIH SHIFT 2026 Offers Up to ₦5m Funding
Applications are now open for the IIH SHIFT (Scaling Homegrown Innovations & Frontier Technologies) Programme 2026.
This is an initiative of the Ilorin Innovation Hub (IIH) designed to support Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs and startups developing technology-driven solutions.
The programme is focused on helping promising ventures develop, validate and scale innovative solutions through specialised training, mentorship, technical resources, market opportunities, ecosystem connections and equity-free funding.
The initiative is being implemented by Ilorin Innovation Hub, with support from IHS Towers, the Kwara State Government and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB). It targets entrepreneurs and startups working on deep-tech and frontier-technology solutions, particularly across North Central and South Western Nigeria.
What the Programme Offers
Successful participants will gain access to:
- Specialised training and masterclasses
- Entrepreneurship and deep-tech mentorship
- Technical resources and innovation facilities
- Market opportunities and ecosystem connections
- Networking opportunities with investors, corporates, universities and government
- Equity-free funding
- Opportunities to showcase their solutions and pursue pilots, partnerships and additional funding.
Funding Available
The programme has two funding tracks based on the stage of the innovation:
Launch Pad: Up to ₦2 million in equity-free funding for innovative ideas and early-stage prototypes.
Build Pad: Up to ₦5 million in equity-free funding for startups with validated products and early traction.
Areas of Focus
SHIFT supports innovations across deep-tech and frontier-technology sectors, including:
- CleanTech
- HealthTech
- EdTech
- CreativeTech
- Artificial Intelligence
- Other emerging and frontier technologies.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for Nigerian innovators and ventures at different stages of development, including:
- Student and research innovators with technology-driven ideas
- Entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions
- Early-stage startups preparing to launch or scale their products
- Startups with validated products and initial market traction
- Local SMEs seeking to digitise their operations or adopt new technologies.
Applicants should have technology-driven solutions capable of addressing real-world challenges and demonstrating potential for growth and impact.
Programme Duration
SHIFT is structured as a 12-week commercialisation programme, providing participants with the training, mentorship and resources required to move their innovations towards market readiness and scale.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is Friday, October 2, 2026.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
How to Apply
Eligible innovators and startups can apply for the IIH SHIFT Programme 2026 through the official application channel:
Apply for IIH SHIFT Programme 2026
The IIH SHIFT Programme offers Nigerian founders an opportunity to access non-dilutive funding, technical support and valuable ecosystem connections while developing solutions with the potential to scale.
