The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) marks its 11th anniversary this year, celebrating a decade of empowering young Nigerian entrepreneurs. Established by ARM in 2015 in honour of its founding CEO, Deji Alli, DAAYTA aims to provide young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop innovative start-up ventures that contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award is an ARM initiative in partnership with TechnoVision’s TVC Labs that aims to provide young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop innovative start-up ventures that add sustainable economic value to Nigeria.
About the Program
The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award started as a yearly initiative by ARM to support young Nigerian entrepreneurs with strong social and economic solutions. DAAYTA focuses on ideas that solve real problems in education, health, agriculture, fintech, climate and other growth sectors. The award gives young founders funding, structure, mentorship and guidance. The purpose of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award is to promote responsible leadership, strong innovation and job creation. Each edition of DAAYTA receives large interest, and the program supports founders who show skill, vision and discipline.
The 2026 edition continues the mission of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award and offers strong support for founders who want long term growth. The award funds scalable ideas through a clear and fair structure. DAAYTA provides exposure that helps a startup grow faster.
This full guide gives you everything you need to prepare and submit your best possible application for DAAYTA. The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award remains one of the strongest support programs for young founders in Nigeria. You increase your chances when you stay clear, direct and ready for all stages.
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Eligibility Criteria
You qualify for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award if you meet the following conditions
- Be a citizen of Nigeria
- Be between 18 and 35 years of age
- Submit their application which must be their original work
- Have an MVP (minimum viable product) i.e., you have customers
- Must be a limited liability company duly incorporated in Nigeria
- Must be operating the company on a full-time basis
- Must commit to being physically available to fully participate in the DAAYTA programs and
activities – Entrepreneurial education programme at the Pan Atlantic
University’s Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos, Nigeria - Must commit to be available (physically or virtually) to participate in the 5-month
acceleration support for the development of their venture - Be able to fund his/her/team’s travel expenses and other associated costs if required
- Be virtually available (with co-founders/team where they exist) for the 2-day Pitch Workshop scheduled for April 15 – 16, 2026 (Wednesday & Thursday) and Final Pitch
Event scheduled for Friday, 17 April, 2026 - Understand the business of ARM, what we stand for, and
- Be ready to represent ARM as an Ambassador
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the program.
Benefits of the Program
Winners and selected finalists in the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award receive strong value. Key benefits include
- Funding support up to ₦12,000,000
- Business advisory and mentorship
- Market exposure
- Growth sessions with experts
- Structured monitoring for better results
- Access to the ARM network
- Brand support for your startup
- Improved personal leadership skill
These benefits make DAAYTA one of the most trusted programs for founders in Nigeria. The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award increases the survival rate of early stage ventures through strong structure and support.
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Prizes
The winner of DAAYTA 2026 shall, subject to the Terms & Conditions, receive funding of₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira)over one (1) year for the following purposes:
- Contribution to working capital
- Participation in an entrepreneurial education program at the Pan Atlantic University’s
Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos, Nigeria - 5-month acceleration support services for the development of their venture by TVC Labs.
Selection Process
The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award follows a strict selection workflow. The structure includes
• Online screening of applications
• Selection of finalists
• Announcement of the winner
Every stage of DAAYTA checks your clarity, discipline, problem solving ability and growth plan. Judges check the strength of your idea and your leadership readiness. The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award runs a fair and competitive system that rewards skill and discipline.
How to Apply Step by Step Guide
Follow the steps below to submit a clean and complete entry for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award
- Go To The Official DAAYTA Portal
- Read the program details
- Fill the application form
- Review your submission
- Submit your entry
- Check your email for updates from the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award team
- Prepare for the next stage of DAAYTA if you get shortlisted
A complete and clean submission reflects your readiness. The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award places strong value on discipline and structure. Submit early and follow all instructions.
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Application Deadline
The deadline of Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award for the 2026 edition is:
Application Opens: Tuesday, November 25th, 2025
Deadline for Submission: Monday, January 12th, 2026
