Submit Entries for Falling Walls Lab Competition (Japan)

The Falling Walls Lab Competition invites students and early-career professionals from all disciplines to present innovative ideas, research breakthroughs, and solutions with societal impact through a three-minute pitch. Participants compete at local Falling Walls Labs, with eligibility based on academic qualifications and career stage, while winners gain exposure to an international audience.

Overview of the Competition

Falling Walls Lab is an international pitch competition that provides a platform for emerging innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to showcase breakthrough ideas.

Participants are challenged to present their research, innovation, or solution in just three minutes, demonstrating how their idea can contribute to science, society, or global development.

The competition is designed to promote science communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative thinking across all fields and sectors.

Competition Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote innovative ideas and breakthrough thinking
• Encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration
• Strengthen science communication skills
• Support academic and professional innovation
• Highlight solutions with societal impact
• Foster creative problem-solving
• Connect emerging talent with international audiences
• Showcase research and innovation across disciplines

Focus Areas

Applications are welcomed from all disciplines and sectors.

Areas of interest include:

• Scientific research
• Technological innovation
• Social innovation
• Interdisciplinary solutions
• Academic research
• Creative problem-solving
• Sustainability and societal challenges
• Entrepreneurship and innovation
• Science communication
• Impact-driven ideas

Competition Format

Participants present their idea in a concise three-minute pitch.

Key features include:

• Individual presentations only
• Three-minute presentation format
• English-language submissions
• Evaluation of innovative concepts and impact potential
• Opportunity to present before an international audience

The competition emphasizes clarity, creativity, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively within a limited timeframe.

Who is Eligible?

The competition is open to students and early-career professionals from any academic discipline or professional field.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Meet at least one of the academic eligibility requirements

Eligible Applicants Include

• Current university students
• Bachelor’s degree holders who graduated no more than 10 years ago
• Master’s degree holders who graduated no more than 7 years ago
• PhD holders who received their degree no more than 5 years ago

Degree Equivalency Rules

• An MD degree without a doctoral dissertation is treated as equivalent to a Master’s degree
• A Dr. med. degree with a doctoral dissertation is treated as equivalent to a PhD

Ineligible Applicants

The following are not eligible:

• Individuals under 18 years of age
• Previous Falling Walls Lab participants
• Group applications
• Applicants submitting multiple applications

Falling Walls Lab is intended as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and past participants may not apply again.

Travel and Participation Support

Travel and accommodation costs for local Falling Walls Labs are generally not covered.

However:

• Certain international Falling Walls Labs may provide travel support
• Subsistence support may be available in specific cases
• Availability depends on the local organizer
• Support is only provided when explicitly stated by the respective Lab

Application Requirements

Applicants must:

• Apply to the Falling Walls Lab closest to their location
• Submit their application in English
• Meet all eligibility requirements
• Submit only one application
• Participate as an individual applicant

Why the Competition Matters

Falling Walls Lab provides more than a pitching opportunity.

Benefits include:

• International visibility
• Professional networking opportunities
• Experience presenting research to diverse audiences
• Improved science communication skills
• Exposure to interdisciplinary innovation ecosystems
• Recognition for promising ideas and solutions

The programme helps participants translate complex research and concepts into accessible and impactful presentations.

How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Ensure you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Meet one of the academic qualification requirements
• Have not participated in Falling Walls Lab previously

Step 2: Prepare Your Idea

Develop a clear presentation that:

• Highlights a breakthrough idea or innovation
• Demonstrates societal or scientific impact
• Can be delivered effectively within three minutes

Step 3: Select Your Local Falling Walls Lab

• Identify the Falling Walls Lab closest to your location
• Apply only to that Lab
• Do not submit applications to multiple Labs

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Complete the application in English
• Follow all instructions provided by the local organizer
• Submit within the required deadline

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to more than one Falling Walls Lab
  • Multiple applications are not permitted
• Submitting a group application
  • Only individual applications are accepted
• Exceeding eligibility timelines
  • Ensure your degree falls within the permitted graduation period
• Applying as a previous participant
  • Past participants are not eligible
• Preparing an overly technical presentation
  • Judges and audiences may come from diverse disciplines
• Failing to communicate impact clearly
  • Focus on why the idea matters and what problem it solves

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Falling Walls Lab?
  • An international pitch competition where participants present innovative ideas in three-minute presentations.
• Is this a grant programme?
  • No.
    • Falling Walls Lab is a pitch competition rather than a funding programme.
• Who can apply?
  • Eligible applicants include:
    • Current university students
    • Bachelor’s graduates within the last 10 years
    • Master’s graduates within the last 7 years
    • PhD graduates within the last 5 years
• Can applicants from any discipline participate?
  • Yes.
    • The competition welcomes participants from all academic and professional fields.
• Are group applications allowed?
  • No.
    • Applications must be submitted by individuals only.
• Is participation limited to one application?
  • Yes.
    • Multiple applications are not permitted.
• Are travel costs covered?
  • Generally, no.
    • Local Labs typically do not cover travel or accommodation.
    • Some international Labs may offer travel and subsistence support if specified by organizers.

Conclusion

The Falling Walls Lab Competition offers students and early-career professionals a unique opportunity to showcase innovative ideas, research discoveries, and impactful solutions through a concise three-minute presentation. By bringing together emerging talent from diverse disciplines, the programme promotes science communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and breakthrough thinking that can contribute to positive change in science and society.