The Deji Alli Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 is a prestigious entrepreneurship grant created to support young Nigerian innovators with bold, scalable startup ideas.
If you are a Nigerian student or recent graduate aged 18 to 35 with a solution-driven business, this award offers a rare opportunity to turn your idea into a viable company that contributes to Africa’s economic growth.
Organised by ARM in honour of its founding CEO, Deji Alli, DAAYTA enters its 11th year in 2026. The programme combines ₦12 million in funding with structured training and acceleration support, making it one of the most competitive startup grants in Nigeria. It is especially suited to student entrepreneurs balancing academics with early-stage ventures.
Programme activities begin virtually in April 2026, with participation open to startups across Nigeria.
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Key Benefits of Winning Deji Alli Young Talent Award (DAAYTA 2026)
Winning DAAYTA is more than receiving funding. It provides founders with a full support ecosystem to scale their startups.
Key benefits include:
1. ₦12,000,000 funding spread over one year
2. 4–5 month Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management (CEM) at Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre
3. 5-month acceleration and mentorship support from TVC Labs
4. Pre-pitch training and workshops for shortlisted finalists
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Eligibility
DAAYTA is designed for committed founders who are ready to scale. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nigerian citizen aged 18–35
- Founder and full-time operator of a duly incorporated limited liability company in Nigeria
- Original startup idea with an MVP and paying customers
- Willingness to participate fully in programme activities, including virtual pitches in April 2026
- Ability to cover personal travel costs if required
- Startup operating in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, IT, clean tech, or transportation
Applicants must also understand and align with ARM’s values, as winners become ARM Ambassadors.
Required Documents
- An online application form with a clear startup pitch
- Proof of Nigerian citizenship and age
Shortlisted applicants will later be asked to submit additional materials, including a POEM Framework business plan, a short pitching video, and detailed profiles of founders, team members, and advisers.
Application Deadline
Applications for DAAYTA 2026 close on Monday, January 12, 2026. Applications opened on November 25, 2025.
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How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicant are to follow application process below for successful application.
1. Confirm eligibility and ensure company incorporation
2. Prepare a concise pitch highlighting impact, traction, and scalability
3. Complete and submit the Deji Alli Young Talent Award (DAAYTA 2026) online application form.
4. Await shortlisting for further documentation and pitching stages
Virtual pitch workshops will be held between April 15 and 16, 2026, followed by the final pitch on April 17, 2026.
For Nigerian student founders with high-impact ideas, DAAYTA 2026 is not just funding. It is a serious launchpad into Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
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