Submissions open for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (Nigeria)

Deadline: 12-Jan-2026

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 supports young Nigerian entrepreneurs with socially impactful, revenue-generating business ideas through ₦12 million in funding, structured education, and acceleration support. The programme targets MVP-stage startups in essential sectors and combines capital, mentorship, and ecosystem access to scale sustainable impact.

Programme Overview

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) is a flagship entrepreneurship initiative by ARM, designed to empower young Nigerian founders with bold, socially meaningful business ideas. DAAYTA 2026 focuses on ventures that intentionally create positive social and environmental impact while remaining commercially viable and scalable.
The programme reflects ARM’s long-standing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and youth development by investing in entrepreneurs who improve livelihoods, strengthen essential sectors, and contribute to inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

Core Focus of DAAYTA

Impact-Driven Entrepreneurship

DAAYTA prioritises business ideas that:

• Address real social or environmental challenges

• Improve quality of life and livelihoods

• Promote sustainability and a healthier planet

• Generate financial returns alongside social value

Innovation in Essential Sectors

Eligible startups must operate in sectors critical to societal well-being, including:

• Agriculture and agri-business

• Education and edtech

• Healthcare and healthtech

• Housing and real estate solutions

• Transportation and mobility

What DAAYTA 2026 Offers

Financial Support

• ₦12,000,000 disbursed over one year

• Funding supports business planning, refinement, and early scaling

Entrepreneurial Education

• Certificate in Entrepreneurial Education

• Delivered by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos

• Focus on business strategy, leadership, governance, and sustainable growth

Acceleration and Mentorship

• 5-month acceleration programme at a top-tier innovation hub in Lagos

• Access to experienced mentors, industry experts, and investors

• Hands-on support to refine product-market fit and scaling strategy

Network and Visibility

• Integration into ARM’s entrepreneurial and business network

• Opportunity to represent ARM as a DAAYTA Ambassador

Who Is Eligible?

Applicant Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Nigerian citizen

• Aged between 18 and 35 years

• Founder or co-founder of a registered limited liability company

• Startup has a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

• Startup has an existing customer base

• Operates in an eligible essential sector

• Fully committed to participating in all DAAYTA activities

Commitment Requirements

Successful applicants must be available for:

• Entrepreneurial education programme at Pan-Atlantic University

• 5-month acceleration programme in Lagos

• 2-day Pitch Workshop: April 15–16, 2026

• Final Pitch Event: April 17, 2026

Why DAAYTA Matters

DAAYTA plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem by:

• Bridging funding and skills gaps for early-stage founders

• Supporting businesses that combine profit with purpose

• Strengthening innovation in sectors critical to national development

• Preparing young entrepreneurs for long-term scalability and impact
  By backing socially responsible innovation, ARM advances its vision of building a more inclusive and sustainable future.

How the DAAYTA Programme Works

Selection and Shortlisting

• Applications are reviewed based on innovation, impact potential, and commercial viability

• Only shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stages

Pitching and Evaluation

• Shortlisted founders participate in a structured Pitch Workshop

• Finalists present at the Final Pitch Event before judges and stakeholders

Award and Programme Participation

• One winner is selected for DAAYTA 2026

• The winner receives funding, education, and acceleration support over one year

What DAAYTA Looks for in Applicants

Strong candidates typically demonstrate:

• Clear social or environmental problem definition

• A viable, scalable business model

• Evidence of customer traction

• Founder commitment and leadership potential

• Alignment with ARM’s values and long-term vision

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a registered company or MVP

• Submitting ideas without clear social impact

• Underestimating the time commitment required

• Failing to demonstrate customer validation

• Lack of understanding of ARM’s business and values

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is DAAYTA?

DAAYTA is an entrepreneurship award by ARM that supports young Nigerian founders with funding, education, mentorship, and acceleration.

2. Who can apply for DAAYTA 2026?

Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18–35 running a registered startup with an MVP and customer base in an essential sector.

3. How much funding does the winner receive?

The winner receives ₦12,000,000 over one year.

4. Is the programme only about funding?

No. DAAYTA combines funding with entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and a 5-month acceleration programme.

5. Is participation in all programme activities mandatory?

Yes. Applicants must commit fully to the education programme, acceleration support, pitch workshop, and final pitch event.

6. Where will the programme take place?

The education and acceleration components take place in Lagos, Nigeria.

7. How many winners are selected?

One winner is selected for the DAAYTA 2026 cohort.

Conclusion

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award 2026 offers a comprehensive pathway for young Nigerian entrepreneurs to scale impactful businesses that solve real societal challenges. By combining substantial funding, world-class entrepreneurial education, and hands-on acceleration support, DAAYTA equips founders not just to succeed commercially, but to lead meaningful change across Nigeria’s most critical sectors.

For more information, visit ARM.