Entries open for Falling Walls Lab Accra (Ghana)

Deadline: 04-May-2026

Falling Walls Lab Accra invites students and early-career professionals to present groundbreaking ideas that break barriers in science, technology, and society. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary innovation, social impact, and global knowledge exchange. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, meet academic criteria, submit individually in English, and participate in their closest Lab, with participation limited to first-time applicants.

Overview of Falling Walls Lab Accra

Falling Walls Lab Accra is a platform for innovators to showcase disruptive ideas that drive societal and scientific impact. The initiative encourages participants to think across disciplines, fostering research, technology, and social innovation while connecting them to a global network of early-career thinkers.

Key Goals:

• Present innovative, breakthrough ideas

• Encourage interdisciplinary problem-solving

• Foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange

• Support early-stage innovators in gaining visibility and recognition

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility ensures the program attracts motivated, early-career innovators:

Academic & Professional Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Currently enrolled at a university

• Bachelor’s degree obtained within the last 10 years

• Master’s degree obtained within the last 7 years

• PhD obtained within the last 5 years

• Equivalent qualifications:

  • MD without dissertation = Master’s

  • Dr. med. with dissertation = PhD

Additional Criteria

• Minimum age: 18 years at the time of application

• Individual applications only (no group applications)

• One-time participation (first-time applicants only)

• Submit to the Lab closest to you

• Applications must be in English

• Travel and accommodation are generally not covered unless stated by organizers

Why It Matters

Falling Walls Lab Accra empowers early-career innovators to:

• Present ideas that break barriers in research, technology, and social innovation

• Engage with mentors, experts, and global peers

• Receive feedback and recognition for early-stage projects

• Contribute to societal and scientific progress through innovative solutions

The Lab also strengthens global collaboration, connecting participants across disciplines to share knowledge and drive impactful solutions.

How to Apply / How It Works

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Confirm age (≥18 years)

• Meet at least one academic or professional requirement

Step 2: Prepare Your Idea

• Focus on breakthrough solutions with societal or scientific impact

• Clearly define the problem, approach, and expected outcomes

• Prepare a concise 3-minute presentation

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submit individually in English

• Apply to the Lab closest to your location

• Ensure it is your first-time participation

Step 4: Participate in the Lab

• Present your idea to an expert jury and peers

• Receive mentorship and constructive feedback

• Network with other early-career innovators

Step 5: Recognition and Next Steps

• Outstanding participants gain visibility, awards, and potential advancement

• Exceptional ideas may progress to international Falling Walls events

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting multiple applications

• Applying as part of a group

• Ignoring academic or age requirements

• Applying to a Lab that is not the closest

• Submitting applications in languages other than English

Tips for Success

• Clearly articulate the problem and innovative solution

• Emphasize societal or scientific impact

• Practice a 3-minute concise presentation

• Highlight interdisciplinary relevance

• Ensure eligibility and application criteria are fully met

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply to Falling Walls Lab Accra?
   Students and early-career professionals aged 18+ with recent academic degrees or equivalent qualifications.

2. Can I submit as part of a team?
   No, only individual applications are accepted.

3. How many times can I participate?
   Participation is limited to first-time applicants.

4. What language should the application be in?
   English only.

5. Are travel and accommodation costs covered?
   Not usually, unless explicitly specified by local organizers.

6. What counts as equivalent academic qualifications?
   MD without dissertation = Master’s; Dr. med. with dissertation = PhD.

7. Can I apply to any Lab location?
   No, you must apply to the Lab closest to you.

Conclusion

Falling Walls Lab Accra offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for early-career innovators to present breakthrough ideas, gain recognition, and engage in interdisciplinary problem-solving. By fostering global collaboration and highlighting impactful solutions, the Lab accelerates innovation and societal progress for the next generation of thinkers and changemakers.

For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.