Heels and Tech has officially opened applications for FemNest 2.0, the second cohort of its flagship venture-building incubator. This five-week programme is designed to equip early-stage women innovators in Nigeria with the skills, mentorship, technology tools, and networks needed to turn ideas addressing female and family health challenges into sustainable, scalable ventures.
What is FemNest Lab?
FemNest Lab is a venture-building programme created for women, by women. It supports innovators developing technology-enabled solutions to real problems affecting women, children, and families across Nigeria and Africa.
Building on the success of its first cohort where participants developed solutions in areas such as AI-powered menopause support, breast cancer prevention, and adolescent reproductive health, Cohort 2.0 offers stronger mentorship, expanded AI capabilities, and deeper venture support.
The programme emphasises practical learning. Participants do not need coding experience. Instead, they gain hands-on exposure to artificial intelligence and no-code tools that make it faster and more affordable than ever to build and test solutions.
Programme Structure and What Participants Experience
FemNest 2.0 runs for five weeks:
· Four weeks of virtual learning, including live interactive sessions led by industry experts
· Practical assignments and office hours
· Expert mentorship from healthcare professionals, product leaders, investors, and startup operators
· Training focused on technology for business growth (AI, no-code tools, and digital solutions)
· A final Demo Day and Showcase in Lagos, where participants pitch their ventures to investors, ecosystem partners, and potential collaborators
Programme Participants Learn How To:
· Validate the problem by understanding customers and testing assumptions
· Build a sustainable business model with clear revenue strategies
· Leverage technology to improve operations, reach, and scale
· Develop leadership, governance, and compliance foundations
· Create go-to-market strategies and prepare for investment readiness
Thematic Areas of Focus
FemNest 2.0 welcomes innovative solutions that improve the lives of women and families. Focus areas include:
Women’s Health & Wellbeing
Menstrual health, fertility and reproductive health, pregnancy and maternal health, menopause, breast health, hormonal health, mental health, and preventive & sexual wellness.
Parenting, Caregiving & Family Life
Parenting solutions, child and adolescent development, elder care, caregiver support, family wellness, and family organisation & productivity.
Financial & Household Innovation
Family budgeting and financial wellbeing, household management, family planning & decision support, and digital tools for everyday family life.
Safety, Education & Community
Family safety & security, education & learning, community support platforms, and family communication & connection.
AI & Digital Innovation
AI-powered solutions, digital health, health access platforms, telehealth & remote care, diagnostics & preventive care, and data & decision support tools.
Ideas outside these categories may still be considered if they meaningfully address challenges facing women, children, or families.
Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to women innovators in Nigeria who have identified a challenge they care deeply about and are ready to explore and build a solution around it. This could be a problem they have personally experienced, observed in their community or work, or researched thoroughly.
You can apply if you are:
· At the idea stage
· Validating an existing concept
· Building your first prototype
· Exploring how AI can accelerate your solution
You do not need to know how to code. What matters most is your commitment to solving a meaningful problem.
Programme Outcomes
By the end of the five weeks, participants can expect to walk away with:
· A validated problem statement and customer research insights
· A stronger, structured venture and business model
· Technology-enabled business skills
· Expert mentor feedback
· Investor-ready pitch materials
· Access to the FemNest alumni network and partnership opportunities
Top-performing ventures will also be eligible for milestone-based funding.
Why Now?
AI and no-code tools have dramatically lowered the barriers to building technology solutions. At the same time, demand continues to grow for innovations that improve the health, wellbeing, and daily lives of women and families across Africa. FemNest 2.0 sits at the intersection of these two powerful trends—giving women the practical support they need to build with confidence and create lasting impact.
How to Apply
Applications are now open. Interested women innovators can apply using the Link provided 👉 Here
Applicants should also visit the official FemNest 2.0 page, review the full programme details, and complete the application form:
Application Deadline
FemNest does not currently list a fixed application deadline, so applicants are encouraged to submit as soon as possible and check back any updates.
FemNest 2.0 represents more than an incubator, it is an investment in a new generation of women-led solutions that can transform healthcare and family wellbeing in Nigeria and beyond. If you have an idea that could make a difference, this is your invitation to build it.
