Deadline: 25-Aug-2026
The Falling Walls Lab Competition is an international pitch platform that invites students and early-career professionals to present breakthrough ideas with potential impact on science, innovation, and society. Participants deliver a three-minute pitch showcasing research-driven concepts and interdisciplinary solutions.
The programme encourages applicants to challenge existing “walls” in science and society by presenting innovative ideas that contribute to global progress and problem-solving.
Programme Overview
Falling Walls Lab is a global forum for:
- Scientific innovation and research communication
- Interdisciplinary idea exchange
- Early-career talent development
- Social impact and applied science solutions
- Entrepreneurial and academic innovation pitching
Participants present their ideas before expert panels and audiences in competitive Lab events held globally.
Key Focus Areas
The competition highlights ideas in:
- Scientific and technological breakthroughs
- Research innovation and applied science
- Social impact and community development solutions
- Interdisciplinary problem-solving
- Entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems
- Emerging technologies and future-oriented solutions
Competition Format
- Participants deliver a 3-minute pitch presentation
- Ideas must be original and clearly communicated
- Presentations are evaluated by expert juries
- Participants compete at local Falling Walls Lab events
- Winners may advance to higher-level global stages
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Meet at least one academic condition:
Eligible categories:
- Currently enrolled university students
- Bachelor’s degree holders (graduated within the last 10 years)
- Master’s degree holders (graduated within the last 7 years)
- PhD holders (graduated within the last 5 years)
Degree equivalency rules:
- MD without doctoral dissertation = Master’s equivalent
- Dr. med. with dissertation = PhD equivalent
- International qualifications are assessed based on equivalency standards
Application Rules
Applicants must:
- Apply to the Falling Walls Lab closest to their location
- Submit applications individually in English
- Avoid group submissions (not permitted)
- Submit only one application per participant
- Ensure ideas are clearly articulated within the pitch format
Important note:
- Falling Walls Lab is a competition, not a grant-making programme
- Travel costs to local Labs are not covered
Programme Objectives
The competition aims to:
- Promote breakthrough thinking in science and society
- Support early-career researchers and innovators
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration
- Improve science communication skills
- Showcase globally relevant research ideas
- Connect talent with academic and innovation networks
Why the Programme Matters
- Provides global visibility for early-stage ideas
- Encourages innovation across disciplines
- Strengthens science communication skills
- Builds networks between academia, industry, and research sectors
- Supports young innovators in sharing impactful solutions
- Promotes cross-border knowledge exchange
Conclusion
The Falling Walls Lab Competition is a global innovation platform that enables students and early-career professionals to present breakthrough ideas in a concise pitch format. By fostering interdisciplinary innovation and scientific communication, it helps emerging talent showcase solutions that address critical challenges in science and society.
For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.