Deadline: November 21, 2025
The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025 is a major infrastructure-tech accelerator spearheaded by Ilorin Innovation Hub and powered by IHS Towers. This initiative aims to boost African startups with high-potential, deep-tech solutions — especially those building hardware, software, and hybrid systems — to solve critical infrastructure challenges across the continent.
Why This Accelerator Is Important
- The Ilorin Innovation Hub is a very large facility — it covers over 13,000 sqm and accommodates more than 1,000 users, making it one of West Africa’s most significant tech-innovation spaces.
- This hub is designed as a vibrant ecosystem for startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs, supported by IHS Nigeria and the Kwara State Government.
- Together with its partners — CcHub and Future Africa — the programme has a vision to create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, focusing on areas like digital skills, AI, energy innovation, and more.
- It aligns with national goals, including the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, aiming to build digital capacity across Nigeria.
What the Accelerator Offers: Key Benefits
Startups selected for the Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025 can expect:
- ₦10 million in funding per selected startup.
- Hands-on technical support: assistance in building both hardware and software systems.
- Business and product advisory: expert guidance to refine your solution.
- Pilot opportunities: real-world testing in operational environments.
- Mentorship: from experienced founders and infrastructure-tech experts.
- Visibility and investor engagement: via a Demo Weekend and a final Demo Day.
- Workspace & community: access to the Ilorin Innovation Hub’s physical infrastructure and networks.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
The programme targets founders and startups across Africa who are building in these spaces:
- AI, IoT, and Machine Learning solutions.
- Cybersecurity, energy systems, logistics, HR tech, and other infrastructure SaaS.
- Hardware-software integrated products: sensors, devices, connectivity tools, battery systems.
- AI + IoT infrastructure that can scale and be piloted widely.
- Fintech models that enable asset-financing for hardware.
- Circular economy innovations, especially those that repurpose e-waste.
- Workforce development platforms, particularly technical talent training.
Important participation requirements:
- Applicants must commit to all programme activities: the Launch Weekend, mentorship, pilot stages, and Demo Day.
- Teams should demonstrate strong technical capacity, the viability of their business model, and alignment with infrastructure challenges in Africa.
Timeline & Important Dates
- Application deadline: 21 November 2025.
- Launch Weekend: 15–18 January 2026.
- Demo Weekend / Demo Day: Late February 2026 (Demo Weekend: ~25–27 Feb, Demo Day follows).
Strategic Vision & Impact
The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025 is more than a funding initiative — it is a strategic lever for long-term transformation. By nurturing startups that build foundational infrastructure solutions, the programme aims to:
- Close critical infrastructure gaps across Africa (connectivity, energy, hardware capacity).
- Support the growth of locally built, globally competitive deep-tech startups.
- Create a sustainable ecosystem where talent, innovation, and capital converge.
- Contribute meaningfully to digital economic growth and job creation, particularly in Kwara State and beyond.
How to Apply & Learn More
- Apply here → [Apply to Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025]
- Read more about the programme → [More about Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator Program 2025]
(contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review)
