Education Nigeria
Apply: Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator ₦10 Million Funds 2025

Quick Facts for Students

About the Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025

The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator is a continental programme designed to support African startups building strong hardware, software and infrastructure solutions. Powered by IHS Towers, the programme provides funding, technical support and real-world testing environments for founders solving major African challenges such as energy shortages, hardware production, connectivity gaps and digital skills. EducationNGR also learnt that the programme aims to create a pipeline of companies that can operate at scale across the continent.

What Selected Startups Receive

Chosen startups will benefit from a wide range of support, including:

  • ₦10 million in funding per selected startup

  • Technical help for hardware and software development

  • Product, business and operational guidance from industry experts

  • Access to pilot projects in real operating environments

  • Mentorship from experienced founders and infrastructure specialists

  • Visibility during Demo Weekend and Demo Day

  • Access to investors, partner companies and a broad tech network

  • Workspace and shared resources at Ilorin Innovation Hub

This support helps teams test their ideas, refine their systems and build solutions that match real needs across Africa.

Who Can Apply

The accelerator is open to African startups working in digital, industrial or infrastructure-focused fields. Eligible applicants include:

  • Teams building in AI, IoT, machine learning, cybersecurity, logistics, HR tech, community tools, energy and industrial systems

  • Startups creating hardware or hybrid hardware–software solutions (sensors, batteries, devices, connectivity tools, monitoring systems)

  • Founders working on AI + IoT infrastructure deployable at scale

  • Fintech teams offering asset-financing models for hardware

  • Circular economy innovators repurposing electronic waste

  • Workforce training platforms focused on technical and industrial skills

Applicants must be ready to participate fully in Launch Weekend, mentorship sessions, pilot phases and Demo Day. Strong technical skills, workable solutions, growth potential and alignment with Africa’s infrastructure needs are essential.

How the Programme Works

Selected founders will go through a structured accelerator system that develops early-stage ideas into functional products:

  • A Launch Weekend to set goals and meet mentors

  • Focused technical, business and product mentoring

  • Pilot opportunities with real partners in live environments

  • A final Demo Day where startups pitch to investors, partners and stakeholders

For students, this pathway provides a clear chance to turn academic projects, innovations or side ventures into real companies with measurable impact.

Key Focus Areas

The programme prioritises startups working in the following:

  • Hardware systems for connectivity, energy and industrial development

  • IoT devices and sensor platforms

  • AI models for operational efficiency, planning or safety

  • Cybersecurity tools for networks and devices

  • Logistics systems for goods and people

  • HR tech for training and workforce support

  • Community platforms for collaboration and skill-building

  • Infrastructure management software

Students with strong technical final-year projects or prototype-stage ideas in these areas are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications are open to students and founders across Africa.

To apply, use the official online form:
Submit your application for the Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025

For more details from the organisers, visit the official programme page:
Official page for the Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program

Applicants should prepare clear information about their product, team, traction and how their solution fits Africa’s real infrastructure needs.