The Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University, in partnership with the Equinix Foundation, has launched SparkLab, a one-year incubation programme aimed at supporting early-stage Nigerian tech startups and entrepreneurs with the tools needed to scale their businesses.
The programme was officially unveiled at the EDC headquarters in Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen innovation-driven entrepreneurship and help founders move from idea stage to market-ready businesses.
Speaking during the launch, Director of EDC, Dr. Nneka Okekearu, described SparkLab as a platform designed to support ambitious entrepreneurs building technology-driven solutions in Nigeria.
“SparkLab is more than an incubation programme; it is a launchpad for ambitious entrepreneurs with the potential to create meaningful impact through technology. Participants will be supported throughout the journey—from stress-testing their ideas to developing market-ready solutions and engaging with potential investors,” Okekearu said.
According to him, the initiative represents EDC’s first incubation partnership focused strictly on early-stage founders. He added that the collaboration with the Equinix Foundation reflects a shared commitment to using technology as a tool for economic empowerment and digital inclusion.
SparkLab will provide participating startups with mentorship, business development support, industry networks and access to resources expected to help founders build sustainable businesses.
Managing Director of Equinix West Africa, Mr. Wole Abu, said the programme was created to address some of the major challenges facing Nigerian entrepreneurs, especially access to infrastructure, guidance and growth opportunities.
“Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs possess exceptional creativity and ambition. What they often need are the right tools, mentorship, infrastructure, and networks to bring their ideas to life. SparkLab provides exactly that,” Abu said.
He noted that the partnership combines EDC’s experience in enterprise development with Equinix’s global infrastructure and network to create stronger growth opportunities for startups and SMEs in Nigeria.
Abu added that technology now gives startups easier access to international markets, making it important for Nigerian businesses to build solutions that can compete globally.
Through SparkLab, both organisations aim to support a new generation of Nigerian startups capable of driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to the country’s digital economy.
