The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) is now open for applications for the 2026 cohort. This prestigious award continues its mission to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs with bold, socially meaningful ideas and to support them with real resources and mentorship.

Established in honour of ARM’s founding CEO, Deji Alli, DAAYTA reflects ARM’s long-standing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of changemakers. By investing in young visionaries who are creating social impact through innovation, ARM is reinforcing its vision of building a better and more inclusive future.

Understanding why this matters.

DAAYTA is not just a grant, it’s a transformative entrepreneurial journey. The 2026 winner will receive ₦12,000,000 over one year, allocated for:

  • Crafting and refining a robust business plan
  • Completing a certificate in entrepreneurial education at Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Lagos
  • Joining a 5-month acceleration programme at a top-tier innovation hub in Lagos

Past DAAYTA winners have made significant impacts across industries, demonstrating the program’s real-world influence and establishing a track record that inspires. Notable alumni include past winners:

  • Jennifer Esiaba, founder of Mariam Grey Pharmacy — winner of DAAYTA 2025, was awarded ₦12 million to scale her healthcare startup.
  • Natima Opuiyo, CEO of Natibo Technologies — winner of DAAYTA 2023.
  • Tunde Adeyemi, founder of D-Olivette Enterprise — winner of DAAYTA 2022 for his innovative biogas biodigester social enterprise.
  • Tope Idris Sulaimon, CEO of Scrapays Technologies — winner of DAAYTA 2021 for building a cleantech model for recycling in Nigeria.
  • Rita Idehai, founder of Ecobarter Company — winner of DAAYTA 2024, leveraging waste-management tech for recycling and sustainability.

These alumni reflect the diversity, creativity, and real-world impact DAAYTA supports — from clean tech and healthcare to energy and recycling

Who Can Apply

We are calling on young entrepreneurs (students, graduates, early-stage founders) across Nigeria who:

  • Have a clear, innovative business idea
  • Are deeply committed to driving positive changes in their communities
  • Want to scale with long-term support (not just funding)

How to Apply

Click here to apply