Bridge Ventures Lab 2026
Turning Builders into Founders.
A six-week, in-person venture-building experience for TVET graduates and young technical innovators ready to turn their skills into scalable ventures.
60 innovators. 6 weeks. One journey from technical talent to venture creation.
Bridge Ventures Lab 2026
About the Programme
What is Bridge Ventures Lab?
Rwanda has a growing pool of technically skilled TVET graduates, but too few have a clear path from technical ability to venture creation. Bridge Ventures Lab exists to close that gap, giving young builders the frameworks, mentorship, and momentum to turn ideas into real businesses.
Who is it for?
TVET graduates and young technical innovators who have a problem they want to solve and the drive to build something meaningful. Whether you have an early-stage idea or a working prototype, this programme will help you move forward.
What problem is it addressing?
Many technically skilled young people struggle to translate their abilities into sustainable ventures. They lack access to structured venture-building support, mentorship, and the business knowledge needed to go from idea to market.
What will participants gain?
Participants will develop validated venture ideas, build prototypes, refine business models, receive mentorship from industry experts, and gain the skills and confidence to pitch and launch their ventures.
Six Weeks That Transform Your Idea
From problem discovery to market readiness: a structured path to venture creation.
Week 1
Discover
Explore problems and opportunities worth solving.
Week 2
Validate
Test assumptions with real users and data.
Week 3
Build
Start building a prototype or MVP.
Week 4
Develop
Refine the product and business model.
Week 5
Pitch
Prepare and deliver a venture pitch.
Week 6
Launch
Take the venture toward market readiness.
What You Will Gain
Problem & Customer Validation
Learn to identify real problems and validate them with potential customers.
Prototype/MVP Development
Build a working prototype or minimum viable product.
Business Model Development
Create a sustainable and scalable business model.
Market & Customer Understanding
Deeply understand your target market and customer needs.
Mentorship
Receive guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Pitch Development
Master the art of presenting your venture to investors and stakeholders.
Investment Readiness
Prepare your venture for funding and investment opportunities.
Leadership Skills
Develop entrepreneurial and leadership capabilities.
The Application Process
Four clear phases from registration to commitment.
01
Register
Open registration for interested TVET students and graduates.
02
Discover
Applications are screened on background, genuineness of the idea, problem understanding, technical foundation, motivation, and commitment.
03
Select
Approximately 100 applicants are shortlisted, from which 60 innovators are selected.
04
Commit
Selected participants confirm their place: commit to the full programme, confirm access to a personal laptop, and pay the 50,000 Frw programme commitment/operational fee.
Eligibility
Exact eligibility criteria are being finalised by Bridge. The following are preliminary guidelines:
- TVET graduates or current advanced-level TVET students
- Ability to commit to the full six-week, in-person programme
- Access to a personal laptop for the duration of the programme
