The Ilorin Innovation Hub Accelerator, powered by IHS Towers, is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort. This programme supports high-potential African startups building the hardware, software and infrastructure that will drive the continent’s digital and industrial future.
The accelerator provides ₦10 million in funding, hands-on technical assistance, business advisory, mentorship and access to industry partners. It targets founders innovating in areas such as AI, IoT, machine learning, energy, logistics, HR tech, cybersecurity, connectivity and advanced hardware systems.
As Africa’s digital economy expands, many foundational systems—energy, hardware production, connectivity, talent and infrastructure—remain underdeveloped. This programme is designed to support startups tackling these challenges with scalable, competitive solutions rooted in Africa’s realities. Selected founders will participate in a structured programme featuring a launch weekend, mentorship, pilot opportunities and a final Demo Day.
Prizes and Benefits
• ₦10 million in funding for selected startups.
• Hands-on technical support for hardware and software development.
• Business and product advisory from industry experts.
• Access to pilot opportunities across real operational environments.
• Mentorship from experienced founders and operators in Africa’s tech and infrastructure ecosystem.
• Visibility and investor access during Demo Weekend and Demo Day.
• Access to a wide partner network, including corporates, investors, and innovation leaders.
• Workspace, community support and resources via Ilorin Innovation Hub.
Eligibility Criteria
• Open to African startups building solutions for digital, industrial, or infrastructure needs.
• Applicable to teams working in AI, IoT, machine learning, cybersecurity, energy, logistics, HR tech, community engagement, infrastructure SaaS, or hardware systems.
• Startups developing hardware or integrated hardware-software systems such as sensors, batteries, tools, monitoring devices, and connectivity solutions.
• Founders working on deployable AI + IoT infrastructure.
• Fintech startups providing asset-financing models for hardware.
• Circular economy startups repurposing electronic waste into usable products.
• Workforce development platforms train technicians and technical talent.
• Teams must commit to all programme activities: Launch Weekend, mentorship, pilot testing and Demo Day.
• Applicants should demonstrate technical capability, solution viability, scalability and alignment with Africa’s infrastructure needs.
