The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 offers young Nigerian entrepreneurs up to ₦12,000,000 in funding, entrepreneurial education at Pan Atlantic University’s EDC, and 5-month acceleration support from TVC Labs. Eligibility criteria include Nigerian citizenship (18-35), having an MVP, operating an incorporated LLC on a full-time basis, and commitment to mandatory programs. The current advertised deadline is January 12, 2025.
Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | ARM Limited & TVC Labs |
| Program Focus | Innovative Start-up Funding & Acceleration |
| Category | Competition & Entrepreneurial Training |
| Eligible Country | Nigeria |
| Maximum Reward | ₦12,000,000 (Funding, Training, and Acceleration) |
| Key Criteria | Nigerian Citizen (18-35), Incorporated LLC with MVP |
| Required Commitment | Full-time operation, Participation in EDC and Acceleration programs |
| Application Deadline | January 12, 2025 |
Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026
The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) is an annual initiative established in 2015 to honor the founding CEO of ARM. It is a commitment by ARM to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aiming to foster a generation of innovative change leaders in Nigeria. DAAYTA provides critical resources, funding, and mentorship to young Nigerian graduates and undergraduates who are working to bring innovative start-up ventures to life that promise significant economic value to the country.
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This competition is highly selective, focusing on ventures that have already progressed beyond the idea stage, requiring a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and existing customers. The program is designed not only to inject capital but also to provide structured entrepreneurial education and acceleration support necessary for scaling a successful business.
Benefits and Specific Award Details
The winner of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award 2026 receives a comprehensive support package designed to accelerate the growth and sustainability of their venture.
Tier 1: Core Financial Funding
- Maximum Funding: The winner shall receive funding of up to ₦12,000,000 (Twelve million naira) over one (1) year.
- Purpose: This funding is intended to contribute directly to the venture’s working capital.
Tier 2: Entrepreneurial Education and Training
- Education Program: Full participation in an entrepreneurial education program conducted at the prestigious Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Lagos, Nigeria.
Tier 3: Acceleration Support
- Acceleration Services: Provision of 5-month acceleration support services tailored for the development of the venture by TVC Labs.
Eligibility Requirements for DAAYTA 2026
The eligibility criteria for the DAAYTA award are strict, reflecting the serious commitment required for this level of funding and support. Applicants must be focused on scaling their business full-time.
Business & Status Requirements (Mandatory)
- Citizenship & Age: Must be a citizen of Nigeria and be between 18 and 35 years of age.
- Original Work: The submitted application and venture must be the applicant’s original work.
- MVP & Customers: The venture must have an MVP (minimum viable product), demonstrating that it already has customers or users.
- Incorporation: Must be a limited liability company duly incorporated in Nigeria.
- Full-time Operation: Must be operating the company on a full-time basis.
Program Commitment Requirements (Mandatory)
- Physical Availability: Must commit to be physically available to fully participate in the mandatory Entrepreneurial education programme at the Pan Atlantic University’s EDC in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Acceleration Support: Must commit to be available (physically or virtually) to participate in the 5-month acceleration support for the development of their venture.
- Pitch Event: Must be physically available (with co-founders/team where they exist) for the 2-day Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event scheduled for April 9 – 10, 2025.
- Travel Funding: Must be able to fund his/her/team’s travel expenses and other associated costs if required.
- Ambassadorship: Must understand the business of ARM, what the firm stands for, and be ready to represent ARM as an Ambassador.
How to Apply for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (Step-by-Step Process)
Interested and qualified applicants should follow the process below to submit their application for the award:
- Visit the DAAYTA Webpage: Click the button below to visit the official DAAYTA webpage and access the application portal.
- Confirm Eligibility: Carefully confirm that you meet all the mandatory eligibility requirements listed above (especially age, MVP, and incorporated LLC status).
- Complete the Form: Fill out the online application form with your correct and detailed venture information.
- Submit Before Deadline: Submit the completed form and any necessary supporting documents before the deadline date.
Application Deadline: January 12, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For more Information Consult the ARM Official Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum funding amount the winner receives?
The winner of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award receives funding of up to ₦12,000,000 over one year, primarily contributing to the venture’s working capital.
2. Is this award open to all African countries?
No, the award is specifically designated for citizens of Nigeria only.
3. Does my start-up need to be incorporated before applying?
Yes, one of the mandatory eligibility requirements is that the company must be a limited liability company duly incorporated in Nigeria.
4. What is the minimum stage of business development required for eligibility?
Applicants must have an MVP (minimum viable product), meaning the venture is past the idea stage and already has customers.
5. What is the required age range for applicants?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age.
6. Where does the entrepreneurial education program take place?
The entrepreneurial education program is a mandatory commitment at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) in Lagos, Nigeria.
7. Am I required to pay for my own travel expenses to attend the programs?
Yes, applicants must be prepared to fund their own and their team’s travel expenses and other associated costs to participate in the DAAYTA programs and events in Lagos.
8. Who provides the acceleration support services?
The 5-month acceleration support services are provided by TVC Labs.
9. What is the date for the Final Pitch Event?
The Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event are scheduled to take place over two days, April 9 – 10, 2025.
10. Can I apply if I only operate my company part-time?
No, applicants must commit to operating the company on a full-time basis to be eligible for this award.
