Open Call: Falling Walls Lab Competition (Mongolia)

The Falling Walls Lab is a global innovation pitching competition for students and early-career professionals to present breakthrough ideas across disciplines. Participants deliver individual short pitches in English, with eligibility based on academic status or recent graduation timelines. The programme promotes innovation, academic diversity, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, with selection through regional Labs worldwide.

Falling Walls Lab – Complete Structured Guide

The Falling Walls Lab is an international competition designed to identify and showcase innovative ideas from emerging researchers, students, and early-career professionals. It uses a fast-paced pitch format to highlight solutions that address scientific, social, and global challenges.

Participants compete in local Labs, with winners advancing to higher-level stages.

Purpose and Core Objectives

The programme focuses on encouraging innovation and supporting early-stage talent across academic and professional fields.

Core Objectives

• Promote breakthrough ideas across disciplines
• Support students and early-career professionals
• Encourage innovation and scientific creativity
• Foster global academic diversity and inclusion
• Enable interdisciplinary problem-solving
• Provide a competitive international pitching platform

Competition Format

The Falling Walls Lab follows a structured pitch-based competition model.

Pitch Requirements

• Individual participation only
• 3-minute pitch format (typical Lab standard)
• Presentation in English
• Focus on a single innovative idea
• No group submissions allowed

Competition Structure

• Applicants apply to the Lab closest to their location
• Local Labs select finalists through competitive evaluation
• Winners may advance to international stages

Eligibility Criteria

The programme is open to a wide range of academic and early-career participants.

Eligible Participants

Applicants must be:

• At least 18 years old at the time of application
• Students currently enrolled at a university, OR
• Early-career professionals meeting graduation timelines

Academic Eligibility Rules

Applicants must meet at least one condition:

• Bachelor’s degree obtained within the past 10 years
• Master’s degree obtained within the past 7 years
• PhD obtained within the past 5 years

Degree Equivalency Rules

• MD without doctoral dissertation = Master’s degree equivalent
• Dr. med. with dissertation = PhD equivalent

Additional Restrictions

• Previous participants are not eligible (one-time participation rule)
• Only individual applications are accepted
• Multiple submissions are not allowed

Application Requirements

Submission Rules

• Applications must be submitted individually
• Applications must be written in English
• Applicants must apply to their nearest Falling Walls Lab
• No group submissions are permitted

Financial Conditions

• Travel and accommodation costs are generally not covered
• Exceptions apply only if explicitly stated by local organizers
• No application fee or ticket purchase is required for international participation

Why Falling Walls Lab Matters

The programme plays a key role in supporting early innovation ecosystems.

Key Benefits

• Provides global visibility for new ideas
• Connects researchers and innovators across disciplines
• Encourages scientific and entrepreneurial thinking
• Supports early-career academic development
• Promotes international collaboration

Long-Term Impact

• Strengthens global innovation networks
• Accelerates idea development into real-world solutions
• Builds pathways for young researchers and professionals
• Encourages interdisciplinary research communication

Selection and Evaluation Criteria

Ideas are typically evaluated based on:

Key Evaluation Factors

• Originality and innovation of the idea
• Scientific or practical relevance
• Clarity of presentation
• Potential global or societal impact
• Interdisciplinary relevance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting group applications (not allowed)
• Ignoring regional Lab application requirement
• Weak or unclear pitch structure
• Lack of focus on a single core idea
• Not aligning with eligibility timelines
• Assuming travel costs are covered

Tips for a Strong Application

• Focus on one clear, high-impact idea
• Structure pitch for clarity and simplicity
• Highlight real-world relevance and innovation
• Practice concise delivery within time limits
• Emphasise interdisciplinary value
• Align idea with global challenges or solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Falling Walls Lab?

It is an international pitching competition where students and early-career professionals present innovative ideas in a short-format pitch.

Who can apply?

Students and early-career professionals aged 18 or above who meet specific academic or graduation timeline requirements.

Can I apply as a group?

No. Only individual applications are accepted.

What is the pitch format?

Applicants present a short individual pitch (typically 3 minutes) in English.

Do I need to pay to apply?

No. There is no application fee or ticket requirement for international participation.

Are travel expenses covered?

Generally no, unless explicitly stated by local organisers.

Can I apply more than once?

No. Participation is limited to a single opportunity per individual.

Where do I apply?

Applicants must apply to the Falling Walls Lab located closest to them.

Conclusion

The Falling Walls Lab is a global platform designed to highlight breakthrough ideas from students and early-career professionals. By combining competitive pitching with interdisciplinary innovation, it provides participants with international exposure, academic networking opportunities, and a stage to present ideas with real-world impact.