Call for Applications: Falling Walls Lab Paris (France)

Falling Walls Lab is an international pitch competition that invites students and early-career professionals to present innovative research ideas capable of creating positive impacts on science and society. Participants from all academic disciplines can compete by presenting their breakthrough concepts in a three-minute presentation format.

The programme is designed to identify emerging innovators, researchers, and thinkers who are developing solutions to global challenges.

About Falling Walls Lab

Falling Walls Lab is a global platform that gives young researchers, students, and professionals the opportunity to showcase innovative ideas and scientific breakthroughs.

The competition focuses on projects that have the potential to:

• Advance scientific knowledge.
• Address social challenges.
• Create meaningful change.
• Connect researchers with international innovation communities.

Participants must present their ideas in a concise three-minute pitch, demonstrating the importance, originality, and potential impact of their work.

Purpose of the Falling Walls Lab Competition

The competition aims to discover talented individuals who are working on innovative solutions across different fields.

The programme supports:

• Scientific innovation.
• Interdisciplinary research.
• Emerging researchers.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Ideas that benefit society.

Applicants from all academic disciplines are encouraged to participate.

Who Can Apply?

The Falling Walls Lab is open to students and early-career professionals who meet the academic eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
• Submit an individual application.
• Apply in English.
• Present an innovative idea or research concept.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic criteria:

• Currently enrolled as a university student.
• Received a Bachelor’s degree within the last 10 years.
• Received a Master’s degree within the last 7 years.
• Received a PhD within the last 5 years.

Academic Qualification Requirements

Different medical qualifications are recognised under the eligibility rules.

The equivalency criteria include:

• An MD without a doctoral dissertation is considered equivalent to a Master’s degree.
• A Dr. med. with a doctoral dissertation is considered equivalent to a PhD.

Applicants should ensure their qualifications match the required academic timeline before applying.

How the Falling Walls Lab Competition Works

The competition follows a short-format pitch model.

Participants are required to:

1. Develop an innovative research or project idea.
2. Prepare a three-minute presentation.
3. Explain the problem, solution, and potential impact.
4. Present their idea to a judging panel.
5. Compete for recognition as an emerging innovator.

The competition evaluates ideas based on factors such as:

• Innovation.
• Scientific relevance.
• Social impact.
• Clarity of presentation.
• Potential for future development.

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Identify the Appropriate Falling Walls Lab

Participants must apply to the Falling Walls Lab closest to their location.

2. Prepare the Pitch

Applicants should create a clear and engaging three-minute presentation explaining:

• What problem they are addressing.
• What makes their idea innovative.
• How their solution can create positive change.

3. Submit the Application

Applications must:

• Be completed in English.
• Be submitted individually.
• Include all required information.
• Follow the competition guidelines.

Travel and Accommodation Information

Applicants should note that Falling Walls Lab is a competition rather than a funding programme.

Important travel information:

• Travel and accommodation costs for international Falling Walls Labs are generally not covered.
• Local organisers may provide support in specific cases.
• Travel expenses to and from local Labs are not covered by Falling Walls.
• No ticket purchase is required when applying to an international Falling Walls Lab.

Why Participate in Falling Walls Lab?

The competition provides young innovators with an opportunity to:

• Gain international visibility.
• Present ideas to experts and researchers.
• Connect with global innovation networks.
• Strengthen communication and pitching skills.
• Showcase research with societal impact.

Participation can help early-career researchers build recognition and expand professional opportunities.

Important Application Rules

Applicants should remember the following requirements:

• Group applications are not accepted.
• Multiple applications are not allowed.
• Applications must be submitted in English.
• Previous Falling Walls Lab participants cannot apply again.
• Participation is considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting applications after the deadline.
• Presenting unclear or overly technical pitches.
• Applying with a team instead of individually.
• Ignoring academic eligibility requirements.
• Submitting multiple applications.
• Failing to explain the real-world impact of the idea.

Tips for a Strong Three-Minute Pitch

Applicants should:

• Start with a clear explanation of the problem.
• Highlight why the idea is innovative.
• Explain the potential impact on society.
• Avoid unnecessary technical details.
• Use simple and understandable language.
• Practice delivering the presentation within three minutes.

A strong pitch should communicate the importance of the idea quickly and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Falling Walls Lab?
Falling Walls Lab is an international three-minute pitch competition where students and early-career professionals present innovative research ideas.

2. Who can participate in Falling Walls Lab?
Students and early-career professionals who meet the age and academic eligibility requirements can apply.

3. Is Falling Walls Lab a grant programme?
No. Falling Walls Lab is a competition platform and does not provide research grants.

4. Can teams apply together?
No. Applications must be submitted individually. Group applications are not accepted.

5. Are travel and accommodation expenses covered?
Generally, travel and accommodation expenses are not covered unless specifically stated by local organisers.

6. Can previous participants apply again?
No. Participation in Falling Walls Lab is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and previous participants are not eligible.

7. What disciplines are accepted?
The competition welcomes ideas from all academic and research disciplines.

Conclusion

Falling Walls Lab provides a global platform for young researchers and innovators to showcase breakthrough ideas that can create positive impacts on science and society. Through a three-minute pitch format, participants gain recognition, develop communication skills, and connect with an international community of innovators working toward solutions for global challenges.