Deadline: 08-Apr-2026
Falling Walls Lab is coming to New Zealand (Aotearoa New Zealand), inviting students and early-career professionals to present groundbreaking ideas in a three-minute pitch. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, meet academic eligibility requirements, and submit their application in English by 08 April 2026.
About Falling Walls Lab
Falling Walls Lab is an international pitch competition that challenges emerging innovators to present a breakthrough idea answering the question:
“Which wall will your research break?”
Participants deliver a three-minute pitch showcasing innovative solutions that drive progress in science, technology, and society. The Lab format encourages bold thinking across all disciplines — from natural sciences and medicine to social sciences, humanities, engineering, business, and the arts.
Programme Focus
The Lab aims to:
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Engage students and early-career professionals from all academic fields
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Promote cross-disciplinary innovation
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Provide a global platform for emerging talent
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Encourage impactful research and entrepreneurial ideas
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Foster international networking opportunities
Participation is a single, one-time opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be at least 18 years old at the time of submission
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Belong to the student or early-career professional category
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Meet eligibility based on:
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Current enrolment status, or
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Recency of awarded academic degree
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Submit the application in English
Academic equivalency rules:
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An MD without a doctoral dissertation is considered equivalent to a Master’s degree
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A Dr. med. with a doctoral dissertation is considered equivalent to a PhD
This ensures fairness across diverse global academic systems.
Important Rules
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Only one application per person is allowed
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Previous participants are not eligible (once-in-a-lifetime opportunity)
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Travel and accommodation for international Labs are not covered unless stated by local organisers
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No ticket purchase is required at the application stage
Key Date
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Application Deadline: 08 April 2026
Why Participate?
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Gain visibility for your innovation
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Strengthen pitching and communication skills
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Join a global community of innovators
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Compete for advancement to higher-level Falling Walls events
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Build international academic and professional networks
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Students and early-career professionals aged 18+ who meet academic eligibility criteria.
2. What language must the application be submitted in?
English.
3. How long is the pitch?
Three minutes.
4. Can I apply more than once?
No, only one application per person is permitted.
5. Can previous participants apply again?
No, participation is once-in-a-lifetime.
6. Are travel costs covered?
Not for international Labs, unless explicitly stated by local organisers.
Conclusion
Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand offers an exciting platform for emerging innovators to present transformative ideas in just three minutes. If you have a breakthrough concept capable of driving scientific or societal progress, this is your opportunity to step onto an international stage and demonstrate which wall your research will break.
For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.