Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025: ₦10 Million Funding
The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator is a programme for African startups that build strong tech and industrial solutions. It is powered by IHS Towers and offers ₦10 million in funding for selected teams. Students and young founders who work with hardware, software or digital tools can use this chance to move their startup to the next stage.
This programme focuses on real problems in Africa such as energy supply, hardware production, connectivity and skills. It looks for teams who can build clear, practical answers that work in day-to-day life across the continent.
Quick facts for students
- Programme name: Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025
- Funding: ₦10 million for selected startups
- Powered by: IHS Towers
- Focus: hardware, software and infrastructure for Africa’s digital and industrial growth
- Deadline for applications: 21 November 2025
- Location of impact: Startups working across Africa
About the Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025
The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator supports high-potential African startups that build hardware, software and infrastructure tools for the continent. The aim is to back companies that fix core gaps in areas such as:
- Energy supply
- Hardware design and local production
- Internet and network connectivity
- Strong technical talent and skills
- Community workspaces and support systems
Many of these areas are still weak or split across many small players. This programme brings selected startups into one clear path with funding, support and links to real users and partners.
What selected startups receive
Startups chosen for the programme get:
- ₦10 million in funding for each selected startup
- Hands-on technical support for both hardware and software work
- Business and product advice from experts and industry partners
- Access to pilot projects in real work sites and live operations
- Mentorship from experienced founders and operators from across Africa’s tech and infrastructure space
- Visibility and investor attention during Demo Weekend and Demo Day
- Access to a wide partner network, including investors, large companies and tech leaders
- Workspace, peer support and shared resources at Ilorin Innovation Hub
These benefits help teams test ideas, fix problems early and show clear results to partners and investors.
Who can apply
The programme is open to startups and founders across Africa who work on the digital, industrial or infrastructure economy. This includes:
- Teams building in AI, IoT, machine learning, cybersecurity, energy, logistics, HR tech, community tools, infrastructure SaaS or hardware systems
- Startups working on hardware or hardware plus software solutions, such as tools, batteries, sensors, connectivity devices and monitoring systems
- Founders building AI plus IoT infrastructure that can be rolled out or tested at scale
- Fintech startups that offer asset-financing models for hardware solutions
- Circular economy teams that turn electronic waste into useful products
- Workforce training platforms that teach technicians and other technical workers
Applicants must be ready to take part in all programme parts, including Launch Weekend, mentorship sessions, pilot phases and Demo Day. Teams should show:
- Strong technical skills
- Clear and workable solutions
- Growth potential beyond one small area
- A clear fit with Africa’s infrastructure needs
How the programme works
Selected founders will follow a structured programme that helps them move from idea or early product to tested solution:
- A launch weekend to set goals, meet mentors and plan next steps
- Regular focused mentorship sessions with experts in tech, product, business and operations
- Pilot chances with real partners, where solutions can run in live settings
- A final Demo Day where teams share their progress with investors, partners and other leaders
For students, this gives a clear way to turn school projects, lab work or side hustles into real companies that solve daily problems in African life.
Key focus areas
The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator looks for startups that fit one or more of these areas:
- Hardware systems that support energy, connectivity and industry
- IoT devices and platforms that connect sensors, tools and machines
- AI models that improve planning, safety, or operations in real sectors
- Cybersecurity tools that protect networks, data and devices
- Logistics tools for moving goods and people in a safe and clear way
- HR tech that supports hiring, training and team management
- Community tools that bring people, skills and projects together
- Software platforms that help manage infrastructure at scale
Students with strong technical projects, final-year work or early-stage startups in these fields are a good fit.
How to apply
Applications are now open.
- To send in an application, students and founders can use the official online form:
Submit your application for the Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025 - To read full details from the organisers, including hub background and contact links, visit:
Official page for the Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program
Applicants should prepare clear details on their product, team, current stage and how their work fits real African infrastructure needs.
