Nigerian founders researching the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme Cohort 4 should know that this cohort is no longer accepting applications.

Cohort 4 has already been completed, culminating in its National Demo Day and startup funding awards in 2025.

The programme remains useful to understand because iHatch continues to operate through later cohorts, but founders should not treat the old Cohort 4 application page as a current open call.

What Is iHatch?

iHatch is a Nigerian startup incubation initiative backed by the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The programme is designed to help early-stage Nigerian founders turn technology ideas into viable and scalable businesses.

Cohort 4 formed part of a nationwide expansion that involved startups and innovation hubs across Nigeria.

Who Was Cohort 4 Designed For?

The official Cohort 4 page welcomed businesses at either:

• Idea stage; or
• MVP stage.

Applicants needed to be at least 18 years old and develop a technology-driven solution addressing a real problem.

The programme focused on areas including:

• Fintech;
• AgriTech;
• HealthTech;
• EdTech;
• Logistics;
• Security;
• GovTech.

Did Startups Need CAC Registration?

Not necessarily at the application stage.

The Cohort 4 criteria allowed startups to apply before formal registration but expected participating founders to commit to Corporate Affairs Commission registration during the programme.

Founders also needed a credible path towards revenue based on customer discovery.

What Did Participants Receive?

The programme provided benefits including:

• Free online and offline training;
• Coworking space;
• Mentorship from technology specialists;
• Business-model development;
• Coaching;
• Boot camps;
• Funding opportunities;
• Ecosystem networking.

The official Cohort 4 programme described an intensive incubation period focused on helping businesses become viable and scalable.

Did Cohort 4 Provide Funding?

The programme created access to funding opportunities, but there was not one guaranteed cash award for every participant.

At the later National Demo Day, three Cohort 4 startups received seed-funding prizes.

Reported awards included:

• $15,000 for the first-place startup;
• $12,000 for second place;
• $10,000 for third place.

These awards should not be presented as automatic benefits for everyone accepted into the incubation programme.

Is Cohort 4 Still Open?

No.

Cohort 4 is completed.

In 2026, iHatch progressed to a newer nationwide cohort, with startup applications closing in May 2026. The latest application portal currently displays that submission period as closed.

This means Winivas should label Cohort 4:

Status: Closed / Historical Cohort

rather than “Apply Now.”

What Should Founders Do Now?

Founders interested in iHatch should monitor NITDA and ONDI for the next startup intake.

The programme has continued expanding nationally, so future calls are likely to use newer cohort numbers rather than reopening Cohort 4.

Official Programme Link

View the official iHatch programme page

The most recent 2026 startup application portal is currently closed:

View the latest iHatch application portal

There is no current official application link for Cohort 4 because that cohort has ended.

For founders, the correct strategy is to monitor iHatch’s official channels for the next application cycle rather than submitting information through an outdated Cohort 4 listing.