The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA), established in honor of the founding CEO of Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited (ARM), is an annual youth-focused awards program aimed at fostering entrepreneurial excellence in Nigeria. In partnership with TechnoVision (TVC), the 2026 cohort seeks to identify and empower young entrepreneurs who possess innovative ideas capable of driving significant community impact. The initiative reflects a commitment to corporate social responsibility by investing in the next generation of changemakers, providing them with the financial resources and professional guidance necessary to scale their ventures.
Award Benefits and Funding Structure
- Direct Funding: The winner of the DAAYTA 2026 cycle receives a total funding prize of ₦12,000,000 (twelve million naira), disbursed over a period of one year.
- Entrepreneurial Education: The award includes full participation in a professional development program at the Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) located in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Acceleration Support: Recipients gain access to a five-month acceleration program hosted at a reputable entrepreneurial hub in Lagos, designed to refine business models and drive growth.
- Ambassadorial Role: Awardees are expected to represent the values of the ARM brand as official ambassadors throughout their tenure.
Eligibility and Participation Criteria
- Nationality and Age: Applicants must be citizens of Nigeria and fall within the age range of 18 to 35 years.
- Business Maturity: Candidates must present an original business idea supported by a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a demonstrated customer base.
- Legal Incorporation: The applying venture must be a limited liability company duly incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Founder Commitment: Applicants must be operating their company on a full-time basis and commit to being physically available for the workshops and educational components in Lagos.
- Program Engagement: Participants must be available to engage in the five-month acceleration support program, which may be conducted through a mix of physical and virtual formats.
- Financial Responsibility: While the award provides substantial funding, applicants must be able to cover their own travel expenses and associated costs related to participation in the pitch workshops and final events.
Selection and Evaluation Process
- Originality: Submissions must be the original work of the applicant, showcasing creative solutions to local challenges.
- Alignment: The proposal must demonstrate potential for positive community impact and align with the broader vision of building a better future through technology and innovation.
- Pitch Requirements: Shortlisted candidates must be physically available (alongside co-founders or team members where applicable) for a two-day Pitch Workshop and the subsequent Final Pitch Event.
- Communication: Only candidates who meet the shortlisting criteria following the initial application review will be contacted for subsequent stages of the program.
Key Deadlines and Application Procedures
- Application Timeline: The call for applications for the 2026 cohort is currently active.
- Submission Deadline: All applications must be finalized and submitted by Friday, January 12, 2026.
- Application Portal: Interested entrepreneurs are required to complete their submissions through the official ARM digital application platform.
The DAAYTA 2026 program stands as a critical bridge for Nigerian entrepreneurs looking to transition from early-stage prototypes to sustainable, high-impact businesses. By combining significant capital injection with world-class entrepreneurial education and rigorous acceleration support, the award provides a holistic ecosystem for talent development. As the Nigerian startup landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award remain essential in identifying and scaling the home-grown solutions that will define the nation's economic future.