Call The DejiAlli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) for 2026 is open now!!!
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.
The DAAYTA 2026 initiative is in line with ARM’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) to build a generation of change leaders who will work together to build a better future. It combines innovation and impact in perfect alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and seeks to support innovative thinkers with business ideas that intentionally create a positive societal impact while generating a financial return and driving economic growth.
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These innovative ideas must be forward-thinking, improve livelihoods, and make the planet
healthier. Again, DAAYTA 2026 welcomes registered and innovative start-ups with an MVP (minimum viable product) and a customer base from essential sectors like agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, and transportation.
. This prestigious award continues its mission to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs with bold, socially meaningful ideas and to support them with real resources and mentorship.
Established in honour of ARM’s founding CEO, Deji Alli, DAAYTA reflects ARM’s long-standing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of changemakers. By investing in young visionaries who are creating social impact through innovation, ARM is reinforcing its vision of building a better and more inclusive future.
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Past DAAYTA winners have made significant impacts across industries, demonstrating the program’s real-world influence and establishing a track record that inspires. Notable alumni include past winners:
- Jennifer Esiaba, founder of Mariam Grey Pharmacy — winner of DAAYTA 2025, was awarded ₦12 million to scale her healthcare startup.
- Natima Opuiyo, CEO of Natibo Technologies — winner of DAAYTA 2023.
- Tunde Adeyemi, founder of D-Olivette Enterprise — winner of DAAYTA 2022 for his innovative biogas biodigester social enterprise.
- Tope Idris Sulaimon, CEO of Scrapays Technologies — winner of DAAYTA 2021 for building a cleantech model for recycling in Nigeria.
- Rita Idehai, founder of Ecobarter Company — winner of DAAYTA 2024, leveraging waste-management tech for recycling and sustainability.
These alumni reflect the diversity, creativity, and real-world impact DAAYTA supports — from clean tech and healthcare to energy and recycling
Location:
NigeriaBenefits
The 2026 winner will receive ₦12,000,000 over one year, allocated for:
- Crafting and refining a robust business plan.
- Completing a certificate in entrepreneurial education at Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Lagos.
- Contribution to working capital.
- 5-month acceleration support services for the development of their venture by TVC Labs.
- Be able to fund his/her/team’s travel expenses and other associated costs if required.
Eligibilities
To be eligible for the award, the applicant must:
- 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.
Application Process
To apply for DAAYTA 2026, you must complete the online application form on ARM’s official website before January 12, 2026, submit details about your start-up and minimum viable product (MVP), and progress through multiple selection stages, including document review, virtual pitch workshops, and a final pitch event in Lagos.
Online Application:
- Visit the official ARM DAAYTA 2026 application portal.
- Fill out the application form with:
- Personal details (age, nationality, contact info).
- Company registration documents (must be a Nigerian limited liability company).
- Description of your minimum viable product (MVP) and customer traction.
- Alignment with SDGs and impact goals.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 (30 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
