Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
Falling Walls Lab Prague is a competitive innovation and research pitch event designed for young academics, researchers, and early-career professionals. Participants present a 3-minute pitch explaining a scientific, technological, or societal idea that can create meaningful impact.
The event is part of the global Falling Walls Lab network, which promotes breakthrough thinking and interdisciplinary innovation.
Core Purpose
- Promote breakthrough ideas in science and society
- Improve science communication skills
- Encourage interdisciplinary thinking
- Connect emerging innovators with global networks
- Highlight solutions that “break walls” in real-world problems
Key Features of the Competition
3-Minute Pitch Format
Participants must:
- Present a clear and compelling idea in 180 seconds
- Communicate to a non-expert audience
- Focus on clarity and impact, not technical depth alone
Evaluation Focus
Judges assess:
- Innovation and originality
- Societal or scientific impact
- Clarity of communication
- Interdisciplinary relevance
- Feasibility of the idea
Competitive + Collaborative Environment
- Competitive selection process
- Encourages knowledge sharing among participants
- Builds international academic and professional networks
Who is Eligible?
Falling Walls Lab Prague is open to:
Eligible Participants
- Bachelor’s students (final stage or recent graduates)
- Master’s students and graduates
- PhD candidates and early postdoctoral researchers
- Early-career professionals in science, innovation, or industry
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be in or recently completed an academic program
- Open to all academic disciplines:
- STEM fields
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Business and design
Why Falling Walls Lab Matters
1. Enhances Science Communication
Participants learn to simplify complex research into clear, engaging messages.
2. Promotes Innovation Visibility
Early-stage ideas gain international exposure and recognition.
3. Encourages Interdisciplinary Thinking
Solutions often combine multiple fields to solve global challenges.
4. Builds Global Networks
Participants connect with researchers, innovators, and institutions worldwide.
5. Develops Professional Skills
- Public speaking
- Storytelling
- Critical thinking
- Pitch presentation
How Falling Walls Lab Works
Step-by-Step Process
1. Application Submission
- Submit a research idea, project, or innovation proposal
- Provide summary and background details
2. Selection Phase
- Applications are reviewed based on innovation and impact
- Selected candidates are invited to pitch
3. Preparation Stage
Participants prepare:
- A 3-minute presentation
- Clear narrative structure
- Visual or slide support (if allowed)
4. Live Pitch Event
- Each participant presents in front of a jury and audience
- Strict 3-minute time limit enforced
5. Evaluation & Winner Selection
- Judges evaluate all pitches
- Top participants may advance to global Falling Walls Forum
What Makes a Strong Pitch?
Key Elements of Success
- Clear problem statement
- Simple explanation of the idea
- Strong real-world relevance
- Evidence or logical reasoning
- Engaging storytelling style
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overloading Technical Detail
Avoid excessive jargon that reduces clarity.
2. Poor Time Management
Going beyond 3 minutes reduces evaluation effectiveness.
3. Weak Problem Definition
Unclear problem statements weaken the impact of the idea.
4. Lack of Audience Awareness
Pitch must be understandable to non-experts.
5. No Clear Impact Statement
Failing to explain “why it matters” reduces competitiveness.
Tips for a Successful Pitch
- Start with a strong hook (problem or question)
- Keep language simple and direct
- Use storytelling instead of dense explanation
- Focus on impact, not just innovation
- Practice timing repeatedly
- End with a memorable conclusion
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is Falling Walls Lab Prague?
It is a competition where participants present innovative ideas in a 3-minute pitch format focused on science and societal impact.
2. Who can participate?
Students and early-career professionals across all academic disciplines who are studying or recently graduated from Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs.
3. How long is the presentation?
Each participant has exactly three minutes to present their idea.
4. What types of ideas are accepted?
Research projects, scientific breakthroughs, startup concepts, and interdisciplinary innovations.
5. What is the main goal of the event?
To promote breakthrough thinking that solves real-world challenges in science and society.
6. Is technical depth required?
No. Clarity and impact are more important than deep technical explanation.
7. What happens after winning?
Top participants may advance to international stages such as the Falling Walls global forum.
Conclusion
Falling Walls Lab Prague is a global platform for emerging innovators to present breakthrough ideas in a concise 3-minute pitch format. It prioritizes clarity, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world impact, helping young researchers and professionals gain visibility and develop strong communication skills.
For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.