Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 for Nigerian Entrepreneurs | How to Apply

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 offers young entrepreneurs with bold, socially impactful business ideas up to ₦12 million to develop innovative start-up ventures that add economic value to Nigeria.

Established in honour of ARM’s founding CEO, Deji Alli, this award reflects ARM’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of changemakers and supporting innovation across Nigeria.

This article covers everything you need to know about the award, including the details, eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, how to apply, and the deadline.

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Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 Summary

• Host Country: Nigeria
• Host: ARM Limited
• Category:  Competitions | Training
• Eligible Countries: Nigeria
• Reward: funding up to ₦12 million | Training
• Deadline: January 12, 2026.

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Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 Details

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) is a prestigious Nigerian entrepreneurship programme that aims to empower young innovators with practical business support.

The initiative is in line with the Firm’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the aim of building a generation of change leaders, working together to build a better future.

For 2026, applications are open to young Nigerian entrepreneurs with innovative, high-impact business ideas and a working minimum viable product (MVP).

The programme goes beyond a simple cash prize; it includes entrepreneurial education and acceleration support, helping winners refine their business plans, develop essential skills, and scale their ventures.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026

To qualify for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of Nigeria.
• Be between 18 and 35 years of age.
• Submit an application that is original work.
• Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), evidence of a working product with customers.
• Be operating a limited liability company duly incorporated in Nigeria.
• Run the company on a full-time basis.
• Be physically available to participate fully in the award programmes, including entrepreneurial education and acceleration activities.
• Be available (physically or virtually) for the 5-month acceleration support programme.
• Be able to fund personal/team travel expenses if required.
• Be available for the 2-day Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event scheduled in Lagos during April 2026.
• Understand ARM’s business values and be ready to represent ARM as an ambassador.

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Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 Benefits

The winner of the DAAYTA 2026 programme will receive a comprehensive support package valued at ₦12,000,000 (Twelve Million Naira) over one year, including:

• Funding to develop and refine a robust business plan tailored for growth and sustainability.
• Entrepreneurial education: full participation in a certificate programme at the Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Lagos.
• Acceleration support: a 5-month acceleration programme at a top-tier innovation hub in Lagos to help expand the business.

This holistic package equips winners not just with funding but with skills, mentorship, networks, and structured growth opportunities.

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Required Documents

Although specific instructions are provided during the application process, applicants should typically prepare the following:

• A completed application form.
• National ID or passport.
• Business registration documents for the limited liability company.
• A description of the MVP and evidence of customer traction.
• A business plan or detailed description of the venture.
• Any supporting documents demonstrating operational status and impact.

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How to Apply for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026

1. Visit the official DAAYTA application portal linked on the ARM website.
2. Create an applicant profile and complete the online application form.
3. Upload all required documents, including proof of citizenship, business registration, business plan, and MVP details.
4. Submit your application before the official deadline.
5. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for later stages, including pitch workshops and the final pitching event.

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Deadline

12 January 2026.

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