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The Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University has partnered with the Equinix Foundation to launch SparkLab, a one-year incubation programme aimed at equipping early-stage entrepreneurs and startups with the skills, mentorship and networks needed to build scalable businesses.

The programme was unveiled at the EDC headquarters in Lagos as part of efforts to strengthen innovation-driven entrepreneurship and support the growth of technology-enabled ventures in Nigeria.

According to a statement by the organisers, SparkLab will provide participants with six months of intensive learning and venture development, covering idea validation, business model refinement, investor readiness and pitching opportunities. The programme will also offer an additional six months of implementation support, mentorship and ecosystem engagement to help participants build sustainable businesses.

Speaking at the launch, the Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, Dr Nneka Okekearu, described the initiative as a platform for nurturing the next generation of innovators and business leaders.

“SparkLab is more than an incubation programme; it is a launchpad for ambitious entrepreneurs with the potential to create meaningful impact through technology and innovation. Participants will be supported throughout the journey, from refining and stress-testing their ideas to developing market-ready solutions and engaging with potential investors. This programme is the first step towards unlocking that potential and accelerating entrepreneurial success,” Okekearu said.

She said the partnership with the Equinix Foundation reflected a shared commitment to creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs and strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

“This is EDC’s first incubation partnership focused on early-stage entrepreneurs, and we could not have asked for a more aligned partner. The Equinix Foundation shares our conviction that technology should catalyse opportunity and economic empowerment. Together, we are creating an environment where innovative ideas can be nurtured, refined and transformed into viable enterprises,” Okekearu added.

The Equinix Foundation said its support for SparkLab aligns with its mission of advancing digital inclusion and expanding access to economic opportunities through technology.

Speaking on behalf of Equinix, the Managing Director of Equinix West Africa, Wole Abu, said the programme would provide young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to transform ideas into viable businesses.

“SparkLab exemplifies the type of initiative the Equinix Foundation was established to support. We believe that technology and digital skills, when made accessible and applied responsibly, can unlock opportunities and transform lives. 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 added that the company remained committed to supporting institutions capable of delivering lasting impact.

“In every market where Equinix operates, we seek opportunities to contribute to sustainable development. EDC is a trusted institution with a proven track record of supporting entrepreneurs and building enterprise ecosystems. By combining EDC’s expertise in entrepreneurship development with Equinix’s global infrastructure, technical knowledge and industry networks, we can create stronger pathways for innovation and economic opportunity,” Abu stated.

Abu also highlighted the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in economic growth, noting that technology gives entrepreneurs access to wider markets and opportunities.

“SMEs remain the backbone of every thriving economy. In the digital age, entrepreneurs are no longer limited by geography. Technology provides unprecedented access to information, customers, markets and opportunities. SparkLab is designed to ensure that Nigeria’s next generation of entrepreneurs can harness these opportunities and compete effectively on a global stage,” he said.

Okekearu noted that many promising business ideas fail because founders often lack the broader perspective required to navigate market realities.

“Our experience working with early-stage entrepreneurs has shown that many promising ideas fail to reach the market because founders often approach challenges from a single perspective. SparkLab is designed to broaden that perspective. Participants will learn to understand customer needs, validate demand, develop sustainable business models and build solutions capable of scaling beyond their immediate environments,” she said.

She added that the programme aims to produce resilient and investment-ready ventures capable of creating long-term value.

“By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of what it takes to create lasting value. They will be equipped with the entrepreneurial, technical and strategic skills needed to build ventures that not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive and digital economy,” Okekearu said.

The organisers said SparkLab would support a new generation of entrepreneurs whose innovations have the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s digital economy.