Design & Innovation Incubator Programme
The Design & Innovation Incubator is a flagship professional development programme of Design Week Lagos designed to identify, support, and accelerate the next generation of African designers, innovators, and creative entrepreneurs.
About the Design & Innovation Incubator
Running from June 26 to September 18, 2026, the incubator provides selected participants with access to mentorship, industry expertise, business development support, and critical tools needed to transform promising ideas into scalable products, ventures, and enterprises. The programme is built around the belief that design is not only a creative discipline but also a powerful driver of innovation, economic growth, and social impact. By connecting emerging talent with established practitioners, institutions, manufacturers, investors, and industry leaders, the incubator helps bridge the gap between concept and commercial viability.
Purpose
The Design & Innovation Incubator exists to strengthen Africa’s design ecosystem by equipping emerging talent with the knowledge, networks, and resources required to build sustainable careers and businesses.
The programme seeks to:
- Support the development of innovative design solutions
- Accelerate early-stage creative and design-led ventures
- Connect participants with industry mentors and experts
- Strengthen entrepreneurial and business capabilities
- Foster collaboration across design disciplines
- Prepare participants for market entry, investment, and growth
- Showcase emerging talent to industry stakeholders and the public
Focus Areas
The incubator welcomes participants working across a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Product Design
- Furniture Design
- Industrial Design
- Architecture & Built Environment
- Digital Design
- Branding & Communication Design
- Material Innovation
- Social Innovation
- Technology & Design
- Creative Manufacturing
Programme Structure
Over a twelve-week period, participants engage in a curated programme that includes:
- Expert-led workshops
- Industry masterclasses
- Mentorship sessions
- Design critiques and reviews
- Business and entrepreneurship training
- Product development support
- Investor and industry engagement opportunities
- Peer learning and collaboration
Who Participates?
The Design & Innovation Incubator is designed for:
- Emerging designers
- Creative entrepreneurs
- Early-stage founders
- Innovators and problem-solvers
- Recent graduates
- Design-led startups
- Individuals developing new products, services, or systems
Participants are selected through a competitive application process based on creativity, innovation, feasibility, impact potential, and commitment to growth.
ProgrammeOutcomes
Throughout the programme, participants develop and refine their projects through mentorship, workshops, industry reviews, and business development sessions. Upon completion of the incubator, a select group of participants will be chosen to exhibit at the Design & Innovation Exhibition during Design Week Lagos 2026. This exhibition opportunity provides emerging designers and innovators with a platform to showcase their work alongside leading practitioners, brands, studios, and institutions from across Africa and beyond. Selected participants will gain visibility among industry leaders, manufacturers, investors, media, potential partners, and festival audiences, creating pathways for collaboration, commercialization, and future growth. The selection process is based on innovation, quality of execution, market readiness, impact potential, and overall development throughout the programme.
Applications
Applications for the 2026 Design & Innovation Incubator are now closed. Selected participants are currently undertaking the programme. A select number of participants will be chosen to present their work at the Design & Innovation Exhibition during Design Week Lagos 2026. Information regarding future editions of the incubator will be announced through Design Week Lagos communication channels.
Important Dates
Applications Opened:
April 2026
Programme Duration:
June 26 – September 18, 2026
Design & Innovation Exhibition:
October 2026
Location: