Deji Alli Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2025 For Nigerian Start-Ups With ₦12 Million Grant Opportunity: Apply Now!

About the Deji Alli Young Talent Award

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2025, established in honor of Deji Alli, the founding CEO of Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited (ARM), is a prestigious program designed to foster the growth of young Nigerian entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2015, DAAYTA has supported innovative startups that contribute to Nigeria’s economic development while addressing societal challenges.

DAAYTA focuses on nurturing ideas that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing innovation, financial sustainability, and meaningful societal impact. The initiative equips startups with critical funding, capacity-building resources, and access to expert mentorship, empowering them to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Sectors Eligible for Deji Alli Young Talent Award 2025

Startups operating within the following fields are encouraged to apply:

Agriculture: Innovations in food production, supply chain management, or agri-tech solutions.
Education: Projects aimed at improving learning outcomes or access to education.

Healthcare: Initiatives addressing medical needs, health-tech solutions, or access to healthcare services.
Housing: Affordable housing projects or innovative housing solutions.
Transportation: Improvements in mobility, logistics, or transportation infrastructure.

Information Technology (IT): Tech-driven solutions across any industry or sector.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Citizenship and Age:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen.
- Aged between 18 and 35 years old.
Business and Innovation:
- The business must be the applicant’s original work.
- Applicants must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with evidence of existing customers.
- The business must be a limited liability company registered with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- Applicants must be running the company full-time, demonstrating commitment and active involvement in its operations.
Program Participation:
- Applicants must commit to attending all DAAYTA activities, including:
  - A 4-5 month entrepreneurial education program at Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos.
  - A 2-day Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event (April 9-10, 2025).
  - A 5-month business acceleration program to scale their venture.

Travel and Representation:
- Applicants must fund their travel expenses if required.
- They should be prepared to represent ARM as an ambassador, embodying the company’s values and vision.

Understanding of ARM:
- Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of ARM’s objectives and alignment with its mission.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following:

Proof of Incorporation: Evidence that the business is a registered entity.
MVP and Traction Details: Documentation showcasing the product or service, customer engagement, and market presence.
Personal and Business Identification: Valid identification for both the individual and the company.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

Innovation: The uniqueness and creativity of the business idea.
Societal Impact: The potential for the startup to address critical challenges and create positive change in Nigeria.

Viability and Scalability: The likelihood of the business achieving financial sustainability and expanding operations.
Sector Alignment: Relevance to DAAYTA’s priority areas, including agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Benefits of the Deji Alli Young Talent Award

The Deji Alli Young Talent Award program provides:

Financial Grant:
- The winner will receive ₦12,000,000 disbursed over one year.
- Funds may be used for working capital, operational needs, and scaling the business.

Capacity-Building Opportunities:
- Access to a 4-5 month entrepreneurial education program at Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Participation in a 5-month acceleration program hosted by TVC Labs, focusing on business growth and development.

Networking and Mentorship:
- Opportunities to connect with industry leaders, investors, and mentors to refine business strategies and expand professional networks.

How to Apply

Applicants must follow these steps:

Submit an Online Application:
- Complete and submit your application via the DAAYTA online portal.
Prepare for Pitch Events:
- Be ready to attend the Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event in April 2025.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: January 14, 2025

Pitch Workshop and Final Pitch Event: April 9-10, 2025

The Deji Alli Young Talent Award 2025 is your chance to secure essential funding, gain expert mentorship, and accelerate your entrepreneurial journey. If you are an ambitious young Nigerian entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea, apply now to shape the future and drive impactful change in your community.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY