DAAYTA 2026 is now open: How to Apply for and win the ₦12 Million ARM Funding
DAAYTA 2026 offers ₦12m funding for young Nigerian innovators.
The race for the prestigious Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA 2026) has officially begun, offering young Nigerian innovators a chance to secure ₦12 million in funding, business acceleration, and entrepreneurial training. The award, hosted by ARM Limited in partnership with TVC Labs, remains one of Nigeria’s most impactful platforms for nurturing high-potential founders working to create economic value.
Since its launch in 2015, the initiative has continued to honor ARM’s founding CEO, Deji Alli, by empowering young Nigerians with ideas powerful enough to drive change.
DAAYTA 2026: A Funding Window for Nigeria’s Brightest Entrepreneurs
DAAYTA is designed to support innovative start-ups, especially those with a minimum viable product (MVP) and early traction.
The 2026 edition continues ARM’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by identifying and equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build sustainable businesses.
The program blends funding, business development, mentorship, and structured training, ensuring participants receive far more than financial support.
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Eligibility: Who Can Apply for DAAYTA 2026?
To maintain fairness and target true early-stage talent, the organizers have outlined strict eligibility criteria. Applicants must:
- Be Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35.
- Submit original work backed by an existing MVP and real customers.
- Operate a registered limited liability company in Nigeria.
- Be fully available for training, acceleration, and pitch events.
- Commit to attending the 2-day Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event, scheduled for April 9–10, 2025.
- Understand ARM’s ethos and represent the organization as ambassadors.
These requirements help ensure that only committed entrepreneurs with actionable solutions earn a spot in the competition.
What the ₦12 Million Prize Covers
The DAAYTA 2026 winner receives up to ₦12,000,000, disbursed across one year for:
- Working capital support
- Entrepreneurial education at the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University
- 5-month acceleration for venture scaling, powered by TVC Labs
This combined support system positions winners for long-term growth, not just momentary success.
How to Apply for DAAYTA 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Interested applicants must complete the following steps before the January 12, 2026 deadline:
- Visit the official DAAYTA webpage.
- Confirm eligibility requirements.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
- Submit the completed form before the deadline.
- Prepare for subsequent pitch sessions if shortlisted.
The process is straightforward, but competition is intense, making early and accurate submission critical.
Why DAAYTA Matters in Today’s Innovation Landscape
Nigeria’s start-up space continues to expand, yet funding gaps persist, especially for early-stage founders. DAAYTA bridges this gap by providing both capital and capacity-building, enabling participants to refine their models, attract investors, and scale ideas that can strengthen the national economy.
With thousands expected to apply, DAAYTA 2026 stands as one of the most anticipated innovation competitions of the year.
FAQ
1. What is the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA)?
DAAYTA is an annual youth-focused entrepreneurship competition by ARM Limited, offering funding, training, and acceleration support to innovative Nigerian start-ups.
2. How much funding does the DAAYTA 2026 winner receive?
The winner receives up to ₦12 million to support working capital, business development, and entrepreneurial training.
3. Who is eligible to apply for DAAYTA 2026?
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18–35, operate a registered company, have an MVP with customers, and be available for all program activities.
4. When is the deadline for DAAYTA 2026 applications?
The official deadline is January 12, 2026.
5. Does DAAYTA require an MVP?
Yes. Applicants must already have a minimum viable product and must demonstrate real customer interaction or traction.
6. Is DAAYTA a loan or a grant?
DAAYTA funding is a grant-style support, not a loan. It is awarded based on innovation, feasibility, and impact potential.
7. Where does the training take place?
Training occurs at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.
8. Do applicants need to travel for the pitch event?
Yes. Successful candidates must attend the Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event on April 9–10, 2025, either physically or virtually when instructed.
9. What sectors are eligible for DAAYTA?
DAAYTA accepts projects from various sectors, including agriculture, tech, education, health, renewable energy, and impact-driven ventures.
10. How competitive is DAAYTA?
Highly competitive. Thousands apply yearly, but only a handful proceed to the final pitch stage.
11. Does DAAYTA support team applications?
Yes. Founders may apply with co-founders or team members, provided the business meets all eligibility requirements.
12. How can I improve my chances of being selected?
Have a solid MVP, present measurable traction, demonstrate market need, and show strong commitment to venture growth.
13. Is the award open to students?
Yes—both graduates and undergraduates may apply, as long as the business is registered and active.
14. What does the 5-month acceleration include?
Mentorship, investor readiness support, business strategy refinement, and structured execution guidance through TVC Labs.
15. How do I apply for DAAYTA 2026?
Visit the official portal, complete the online form, verify eligibility, and submit before the deadline.
