Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 for young Nigerian Startups (₦12M Grant)

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 isn’t just a pitch competition; it is a serious commitment to the future of Nigerian innovation. Is it named after the founding CEO of Asset & Resource Management Holding Company (ARM), this award is designed to find one standout entrepreneur and provide them with the financial and intellectual capital needed to build a legacy business.

​If your startup already has a working solution but needs funding to scale, then the massive ₦12 million might be what is required to take your business to the next level.

​The DAAYTA 2026 is the flagship social responsibility initiative of ARM HoldCo. Now in its eighth year, the program has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious grants for young founders.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for DAAYTA 2026, you must meet the following:

​Originality: The submission must be your original work, and you must be the primary founder of the business.

​Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Nigeria.

​Age: You must be between 18 and 35 years old.

​Stage of Business: You must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This means you have a working prototype and, ideally, initial customers or users. Idea-stage concepts without a prototype will not be considered.

​Sector Impact: Your business must demonstrate a positive impact on the Nigerian economy or provide a solution to a specific social problem.

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Benefits for Startups

​The winner of DAAYTA 2026 receives a comprehensive support package valued at ₦12,000,000, disbursed over one year. Here is how that value is broken down:

• ​Direct Funding: A significant portion of the ₦12 million is allocated directly to your working capital, allowing you to hire key talent, scale operations, or improve your product.
• ​Elite Entrepreneurial Education: You will receive a fully funded certificate program at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University. This is widely considered Nigeria’s top training ground for business leaders.
• ​Technical Mentorship: The winner enters a 5-month acceleration phase powered by TVC Labs, where you get hands-on mentorship from industry veterans to refine your business model and investor readiness.
• ​Business Plan Refinement: Professional consultants will work with you to take your current pitch and turn it into a robust, bankable business plan.
• ​Brand Credibility: Being a DAAYTA winner opens doors to the ARM network and global investors who recognize the rigor of this selection process.

How To Apply

Deadline for all application is 12th January 2026

Visit the Official Website for DAAYTA 2024

Application Process

​The window is currently open, but the deadline is approaching quickly. Because of the high volume of applications, only those who submit detailed, data-backed entries will stand a chance.

• ​Application Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026.
• ​Where to Apply: Applications are hosted on the VC4A platform. You can access the portal here: Apply for DAAYTA 2026
• ​The Selection Journey: After the deadline, applications go through a rigorous screening process. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a final pitch event in early 2026, where the winner will be announced.

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