Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
Falling Walls Lab Jena is an international pitch competition that provides students and early-career professionals with an opportunity to present innovative ideas, research, and breakthrough solutions that have the potential to positively impact science and society. Participants are challenged to communicate their ideas in a compelling three-minute pitch before a panel of experts.
The competition is part of the global Falling Walls Lab network, which brings together emerging innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from diverse disciplines to showcase groundbreaking ideas and connect with an international innovation community.
About Falling Walls Lab Jena
Falling Walls Lab Jena is designed to identify and support promising ideas that address scientific, technological, social, environmental, and societal challenges.
Participants are required to present a breakthrough idea, research project, innovation, or initiative that demonstrates the potential to create meaningful impact.
The competition emphasizes:
- Innovation and creativity
- Scientific and societal impact
- Effective communication of complex ideas
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Emerging leadership and talent
- Solutions to global and local challenges
Programme Objectives
The competition aims to:
- Showcase innovative ideas and research
- Promote scientific and entrepreneurial thinking
- Support emerging innovators and researchers
- Encourage interdisciplinary exchange
- Improve science communication skills
- Connect participants with global innovation networks
- Highlight solutions that benefit society
- Foster future leaders in science and innovation
Participants are encouraged to present ideas that can contribute to positive change and inspire new ways of addressing current challenges.
Competition Format
The central feature of Falling Walls Lab Jena is a short-format pitch competition.
Participants must:
- Present an innovative idea, research project, or breakthrough concept
- Deliver their presentation in English
- Complete the pitch within three minutes
- Clearly explain the problem, solution, and potential impact
- Demonstrate how the idea contributes positively to science and society
The format encourages concise, clear, and engaging communication.
Areas of Focus
The competition is open to ideas from all disciplines.
Examples include:
- Science and research
- Technology and innovation
- Health and medicine
- Engineering
- Environmental sustainability
- Social innovation
- Education
- Artificial intelligence
- Entrepreneurship
- Public policy
- Arts and culture
- Interdisciplinary projects
Applicants are encouraged to present original ideas with real-world relevance and impact.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to students and early-career professionals from any academic or professional discipline.
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Meet one of the academic eligibility requirements
- Submit an individual application
- Deliver the presentation in English
The competition welcomes applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled at a university as a student
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree within the last 10 years
- Completed a Master’s degree within the last 7 years
- Completed a PhD within the last 5 years
Eligibility is calculated from the date of degree completion to the application deadline.
Medical Degree Equivalencies
The programme applies the following equivalencies:
- 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 use the appropriate category when determining eligibility.
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit their application in English
- Apply individually
- Review the competition rules and conditions
- Follow all application instructions provided by the organizers
Only complete and eligible applications will be considered.
Ineligible Applications
The following are not eligible:
- Group applications
- Multiple applications from the same person
- Previous Falling Walls Lab participants
- Applicants who do not meet the academic eligibility requirements
- Individuals under 18 years of age
Participation in Falling Walls Lab is intended as a one-time opportunity.
Travel and Accommodation
Participants should note that financial support for travel is limited.
Important conditions include:
- Falling Walls does not cover travel costs to local Labs
- Travel to and from Falling Walls Lab Jena is generally the responsibility of participants
- Accommodation costs are not covered unless specifically stated by local organizers
- International Falling Walls Lab travel support is only available where explicitly indicated
Applicants should consider potential participation costs before applying.
What Makes a Strong Pitch?
Successful presentations typically:
- Present a clear and innovative idea
- Identify a significant problem or challenge
- Explain the proposed solution effectively
- Demonstrate scientific or societal relevance
- Communicate impact in a concise manner
- Use simple and engaging language
- Stay within the three-minute limit
The competition values both innovation and effective communication.
Why This Competition Matters
Falling Walls Lab provides a platform for emerging innovators to gain visibility, refine their communication skills, and connect with experts and peers from different disciplines.
The programme helps participants:
- Showcase research and innovations
- Develop public speaking skills
- Expand professional networks
- Gain international exposure
- Receive expert feedback
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration
- Contribute solutions to societal challenges
By highlighting breakthrough ideas, the competition supports the next generation of scientific and social innovators.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for Falling Walls Lab Jena?
Students and early-career professionals from any discipline who meet the academic eligibility requirements and are at least 18 years old. - How long is the pitch presentation?
Each participant must present their idea in a three-minute pitch. - What language must applications and presentations be submitted in?
All applications and presentations must be in English. - Can teams or groups apply?
No. Only individual applications are permitted. - Can previous Falling Walls Lab participants apply again?
No. Participation in Falling Walls Lab is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. - Are travel and accommodation expenses covered?
Generally, no. Travel and accommodation costs are not covered unless explicitly stated by the local organizers. - What types of ideas can be presented?
Ideas from any discipline are welcome, provided they demonstrate a breakthrough that positively impacts science and society.
Conclusion
Falling Walls Lab Jena offers a unique opportunity for students and early-career professionals to showcase innovative ideas that address important scientific and societal challenges. Through a dynamic three-minute pitch format, participants can gain visibility, strengthen communication skills, and engage with a global community of innovators working to create meaningful impact through research, technology, and creative problem-solving.
For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.