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Imo State Opens Applications for Cohort 2 of Founder Dojo Imo Startup Programme
Admin2026-10-09T23:00:00.000ZOwerri, imo state07:43am
The one-year programme is designed to transform talented individuals into capable startup founders. It combines Silicon Valley expertise with a strong local foundation, equipping participants with the knowledge and discipline required to build and scale businesses that can compete globally.
Founder Dojo Imo was created by the Imo State Government through Imo Digital City. It is delivered in partnership with Global Innovation Dojo, the US Market Access Center (USMAC) from Silicon Valley, and the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of California, Berkeley. The programme is fully sponsored by the Imo State Government and is directly managed by American experts at the Imo Digital City Limited Complex in Imo State.
Only 100 slots are available for the second cohort. Successful applicants will not pay any programme fees, as the entire initiative is funded by the state government. The programme does not require applicants to have an existing startup, which makes it accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs who are yet to launch a business as well as to existing founders seeking to strengthen their ventures.
The one-year startup incubation programme is structured to equip participants with the mindset, skills, and discipline needed to build successful global businesses. Participants will be exposed to world-class entrepreneurial training, practical learning methods, and the problem-solving approaches that have shaped many of the world's leading technology companies. Emphasis is placed on challenging assumptions, developing resilience, and building the habits that sustain a company through its early and most difficult stages.
The partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, through its Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, brings academic depth and global credibility to the programme. The involvement of USMAC, which supports companies seeking to enter and succeed in the United States market, gives participants a pathway to international exposure and opportunities beyond Nigeria. Global Innovation Dojo contributes its experience in founder development and innovation training.
Organisers stated that the programme is intended for individuals who are ready to learn, grow, and become better founders. The opportunity is open to all who meet the application requirements and are committed to the demands of a full year of structured training.
The initiative forms part of the Imo State Government's wider effort to position the state as a hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. By investing in young founders and providing them with access to international networks and expertise, the government aims to stimulate job creation, encourage the growth of homegrown businesses, and strengthen the state's digital economy.
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications through the official Imo Digital City website at https://www.imodigitalcity.com/founder-dojo/cohort-2. Given the limited number of slots, prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early.
