Open Call: Falling Walls Lab Chennai (India)

Falling Walls Lab Chennai invites students and early-career professionals to showcase groundbreaking research, innovative ideas, and solutions through a three-minute pitch competition. The programme supports emerging innovators across disciplines by providing a global platform to present ideas that can create positive impacts on science and society.

About Falling Walls Lab Chennai

Falling Walls Lab Chennai is an innovation and research pitch competition designed for students, researchers, and early-career professionals who want to present transformative ideas in science, technology, business, and society.

Participants receive an opportunity to explain their research projects, business models, initiatives, or innovations through a concise three-minute presentation. The competition aims to identify ideas that have the potential to overcome existing challenges and create meaningful global impact.

The event encourages interdisciplinary innovation and provides a platform for emerging talents to connect with the international science and innovation community.

Purpose of the Competition

The Falling Walls Lab programme aims to:

• Promote innovative ideas across different academic and professional fields.
• Support young researchers and innovators in communicating their work effectively.
• Encourage solutions that address global challenges.
• Connect emerging talent with international networks in science and innovation.
• Highlight ideas capable of creating positive change in society.

Who Can Participate?

The competition is open to students and early-career professionals from all disciplines.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Submit an individual application.
• Present their idea in English.
• Apply only to the Falling Walls Lab closest to them.

Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic eligibility conditions:

• 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.

Eligibility for Medical Degrees

The programme recognises different international academic systems.

Equivalent qualifications include:

• MD (without a doctoral dissertation) considered equivalent to a Master’s degree.
• Dr. med. (with a doctoral dissertation) considered equivalent to a PhD.

What Participants Can Present

Participants can pitch:

• Scientific research projects.
• Technology innovations.
• Business models.
• Social impact initiatives.
• Entrepreneurial solutions.
• Research-based innovations.
• Ideas addressing societal challenges.

Each participant must communicate their concept within a strict three-minute pitch format.

Important Participation Guidelines

Applicants should note:

• Falling Walls Lab is a pitch competition, not a funding programme.
• Group applications are not accepted.
• Applications must be submitted in English.
• Multiple applications are not permitted.
• Previous Falling Walls Lab participants cannot apply again.
• Participation is limited to one time only.

Travel and Accommodation Support

Participants should arrange their own travel and accommodation expenses.

The programme does not cover:

• Travel costs to local Falling Walls Labs.
• Travel expenses to international Falling Walls Labs unless specifically stated by organisers.
• Accommodation costs unless otherwise announced.

Applicants do not need to purchase tickets when applying for an international Falling Walls Lab.

Benefits for Selected Participants

Selected participants gain:

• A platform to showcase innovative ideas.
• Visibility among researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovation leaders.
• Opportunities to connect with global science and innovation networks.
• Experience in communicating complex ideas through effective pitching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Falling Walls Lab Chennai?

Falling Walls Lab Chennai is a three-minute pitch competition where students and early-career professionals present innovative research, ideas, or solutions with potential impact on science and society.

Is Falling Walls Lab a grant programme?

No. Falling Walls Lab is a competition and does not provide research funding or grants.

Who can apply for Falling Walls Lab Chennai?

Students and early-career professionals from any discipline who meet the age and academic eligibility requirements can apply.

What is the pitch duration?

Each participant must present their idea within three minutes.

Can teams apply together?

No. Group applications are not allowed. Each applicant must apply individually.

In which language should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted in English.

Can previous participants apply again?

No. Previous Falling Walls Lab participants are not eligible to participate again.

Are travel expenses covered by the organisers?

No. Travel and accommodation expenses are generally not covered unless specifically mentioned by local organisers.

What type of ideas can be presented?

Participants can present research projects, innovations, technologies, business models, or initiatives from any discipline.

How old must applicants be?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old when submitting their application.

Can someone apply to multiple Falling Walls Labs?

No. Applicants should apply only to the Falling Walls Lab closest to them and cannot submit multiple applications.

Conclusion

Falling Walls Lab Chennai provides a valuable platform for young researchers, students, and innovators to present breakthrough ideas and gain international recognition. Through its three-minute pitch format, the competition encourages creative thinking, scientific communication, and solutions that can contribute to meaningful social and technological progress.