About the programme
Cohort 2 runs from 2026 to 2027 in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Taraba. Innovators move through a pathway of bootcamp training, incubation with mentorship and resources, and market access. The programme targets 10,000 innovations identified, 1,500 innovators capacity-supported and 400 ventures incubated, with targets of 80% women and 10% persons with disabilities. Stage gating includes technical support and grants.
Duration: Cohort 2 runs 2026–2027 (incubation November 2026 – January 2027)
Eligibility
- Aged 18 to 35 at the time of application
- Resident of one of the seven Cohort 2 states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau or Taraba
- Must have an idea that solves a real problem and has begun turning it into something people can use
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- Any sector is accepted; no list of allowed fields
- Reviewers value job creation prospect, lived experience of the problem, for-profit model, proof of concept, scalability, co-creation readiness and community impact
- Registered business not required; most applicants do not have one
What you receive
- Technical support from facilitators
- Mentorship
- Financial support through grants
- Bootcamp training to sharpen problem, business model and pitch
- Incubation with hands-on support and resources
- Connection to markets, capital and partners
What you will need
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Photo of ID (NIN slip, voter card, driver's licence or passport)
- One-minute pitch video
- Photo, drawing or PDF of prototype or idea
- Proof of solution testing (optional, if available)
- Contact details including three 11-digit phone numbers and email
- Address, state and Local Government Area
- Written application answers on problem, solution, novelty, beneficiaries and goals
- Business details (revenue, employees aged 18-35, CAC number if registered, funding received), if applicable
How to apply
- Submit innovation online during the call for applications (1 September – 18 November 2026)
- Shortlisted innovators attend in-state bootcamp (September – October 2026)
- Selected ventures enter incubation (November 2026 – January 2027)
- Graduating ventures connect to market access
Applications are submitted on UNDP Accelerator Lab Nigeria, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
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Source and verification
- Official source
- UNDP Accelerator Lab Nigeria, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation · Application
- Last checked
- 13 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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