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By Nana Theresa Timothy
Jos, Nigeria, On December 1, 2025, Start-Up Lab officially opened its doors, a new center dedicated to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital talent. At the launch, the founder emphasized the lab’s dual focus on supporting early-stage ideas and developing founders, with a commitment to solutions that are both viable and ethical.
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A Safe Space for Ideas to Grow
Explaining the concept of an incubator, the founder Moses Amama described it as
a place that picks up ideas at a very young stage and nurtures them until they are ready to stand on their own.” Unlike traditional accelerators that primarily focus on business growth, Start-Up Lab aims to support all kinds of problem-solving solutions, whether or not they result in tech products. Moses Amama
Amama Moses (Founder) speaking at the unveiling
“Somebody asked me if it’s only ideas that lead to tech products,” the founder said. “I said no, because our goal is to solve problems. The solutions to problems don’t always end up in a tech product. As long as it’s viable, ethical, and aligns with our values, we believe it can succeed.”
The incubator not only works on ideas but also on the founders themselves. “Ideas are not enough; execution is what matters. If a founder is not equipped to run with an idea, it will still fail. That’s why we help founders validate and refine their ideas while also training them in critical skills, such as hiring, marketing, conflict resolution, and engaging larger investors.”
Training the Next Generation of Talent
In addition to incubation, Start-Up Lab hosts a dedicated training academy. According to the founder, talent is a critical barrier for many early-stage entrepreneurs, especially non-technical founders. “Talents are very expensive, and most people don’t end up building their products because they can’t afford the expertise. Developers may quote high fees with uncertain timelines, and that discourages many founders,” the founder explained.
The academy aims to bridge this gap by training young individuals in practical, hands-on skills, giving them experience that is immediately applicable in the market. The training is tailored to early-stage companies, preparing graduates to serve as founding hires, first designers, first engineers, where their contribution can directly impact the success of startups.
A Shared Workspace for Collaboration
Beyond training, Start-Up Lab offers a shared working space designed for collaboration and flexibility. The facility includes hot desks that can accommodate six to twelve people, high desks for those who prefer standing, and lounge areas for informal meetings. The founder emphasized that the goal is to create a space where entrepreneurs can meet clients, brainstorm with teammates, or host quick discussions in a conducive environment.
Co-working space
The workspace operates on a daily and subscription-based model, with:
- Daily access priced at 3,000 Naira.
- Monthly subscriptions effectively reduce the per-day cost to less than 2,000 Naira.
- High-speed internet via Starlink and a 7.2 kilowatt-hour battery system ensure uninterrupted connectivity and power, critical factors for productivity.
We know how interruptions to power and internet can stall work, so we’ve invested in reliable infrastructure to ensure that doesn’t happen here,” the founder said.
Supporting Comfort and Convenience
To further enhance the experience for members, the lab is exploring partnerships with local coffee vendors to provide refreshments on-site. The founder also noted plans for additional amenities, including snack services, to make long working hours more comfortable. “Even though the center is slightly removed from town, we want members to have everything they need without unnecessary distractions,” the founder said.
A Holistic Approach to Entrepreneurship
What sets Start-Up Lab apart, according to its founder, is its holistic approach. It combines practical skill-building, mentorship, and world-class infrastructure to ensure that startups not only survive but thrive. The lab’s programs cover every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from idea validation and founder training to product development and market entry.
“Success for us is when our founders succeed,” the founder said. “When they reach bigger investors and scale their solutions, that is when the ecosystem benefits, and we can sustain our model. Our focus is not just on ideas but on creating capable, resilient founders who can take their vision to market and impact society positively.”
Looking Ahead
With its official launch, Start-Up Lab is set to become a key player in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. By combining incubation, hands-on training, and a well-equipped collaborative space, it promises to accelerate the growth of startups and digital talent across the country.
Our mission is clear: nurture ideas, empower founders, and train the next generation of innovators,” the founder concluded. “We are excited to see the impact Start-Up Lab will have on the entrepreneurial landscape in Jos and beyond.” Moses Amama
