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NIA Innovation Lab is a 6-week intensive program designed to support startups at every stage — from concept development to growth and scale. The initiative offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, receive mentorship from seasoned professionals, and gain hands-on experience through curated masterclasses and practical learning sessions.
Through this program, NIA aims to drive digital transformation and foster a culture of innovation within Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem. By equipping startups with the tools, networks, and insights needed to thrive, the accelerator helps shape the future of insurance in Nigeria — making it more inclusive, technology-driven, and customer-focused.
Startups gain exclusive access to NIA’s resources—APIs, data sets, underwriting tools, and more—to rapidly prototype, test, and refine their solutions.
Founders work hands-on with seasoned insurance executives, product leaders, and technical specialists who provide ongoing guidance, industry insights, and tailored feedback.
The program includes structured masterclasses covering key themes—insurance models, digital distribution, claims innovation, risk underwriting—enabling growth through practical, experience-based learning.
Startups that deliver market-ready, value-adding products or services will have the opportunity to pilot or commercialise with NIA and/or its member organisations.
Participants are supported in scaling to the wider insurance ecosystem—NIA facilitates introductions to partners, distribution channels, and commercialization networks.
Startups, founders, and innovators applying to the NIA Innovation Lab must meet the following requirements:
Alignment with Programme Theme
This year’s theme is focused on three parts: eKYC Infrastructure, Claims Exchange (Motor) and Wild Card.
Functional Prototype or MVP
Applicants must have developed a working prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that has already undergone initial customer testing or validation.
Distinct Value Proposition
Solutions should be clearly differentiated, offering unique benefits or efficiencies compared to existing market offerings.
Legal Incorporation in Nigeria
Your startup must be a legally registered business entity within Nigeria.
Founding Team Commitment
At least one founder or core team member must be dedicated to participating in the program, with a commitment of up to 6 hours per week.
The 2025 Cohort focuses on the following:
The accelerator runs for 6 weeks, combining masterclasses, mentorship sessions, office hours, and co‑creation workshops.
At a minimum, one founder or core team member must be available to fully engage in sessions and activities.
No — to apply, you need a working prototype or MVP that has undergone some form of testing or customer validation.
No, participation does not require giving up equity in your startup.
Stage 1: Application review for alignment and fit.
Stage 2: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to Pitch Day.
Stage 3: Panel will review and select finalists for the Programme.
The NIA Innovation Lab is receiving applications till 28th September, 2025.
Not at all. We welcome all technology or tech‑enabled startups whose solutions address challenges in the insurance value chain.
Your deck must include at least your understanding of the Problem(s), proposed Solution(s), Traction so far, Why you are best placed to solve the problem, your Business Model (Current/Proposed), your Team and general Expectation from participating in the NIA Innovation Lab. (Max. of 12 slides)
Application from the application form on the website, you may also submit your pitch deck (PDF or PPT, up to 2 MB) via email to innovationlab@nigeriainsurers.org.
Office Address:
42, Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.