Entries open for Falling Walls Lab ScienceAbroad Israel

Falling Walls Lab at ScienceAbroad Israel is a three-minute pitch competition for students and early-career researchers with groundbreaking ideas in science and society. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet specific academic eligibility criteria based on years since graduation. Applications must be submitted individually, in English, to the nearest local Lab by 1 June 2026.

What Is Falling Walls Lab?

Falling Walls Lab is an international pitch competition format connected to the broader Falling Walls Foundation initiative.

Participants present:

• A 3-minute pitch

• A breakthrough idea in science, technology, or society

• A clear explanation of “which wall” their research or innovation aims to break

The event hosted by ScienceAbroad Israel provides a platform for emerging researchers and innovators to showcase transformative ideas.

Important: Falling Walls Lab is not a grant programme. It is a competitive pitch event.

What Is the Goal of the Competition?

The competition aims to:

• Promote breakthrough thinking in science and society

• Highlight innovative research across disciplines

• Provide visibility to early-career researchers

• Encourage global academic exchange

Participants compete locally, and selected winners may advance to global stages.

Key Requirements and Rules

Application Format

• Individual applications only

• No group submissions permitted

• Only one application per person

• Submission must be in English

• Apply to the Lab closest to your location

Participation Limits

• Past participants are not eligible

• Participation is allowed only once

Travel and Accommodation Policy

• Travel to and from local Labs is not covered

• For international Labs, travel and accommodation are covered only if explicitly stated by local organisers

• No ticket purchase is required when applying to an international Lab

Applicants must acknowledge these conditions before applying.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all general requirements and at least one academic qualification requirement.

General Eligibility

• Minimum age: 18 years old at time of submission

• Must apply individually

• Must submit in English

• Must apply to nearest Lab

Academic Eligibility (At Least One Required)

You qualify if you:

• Are currently enrolled as a university student

• Obtained a Bachelor’s degree no more than 10 years ago

• Obtained a Master’s degree no more than 7 years ago

• Obtained a PhD no more than 5 years ago

Special Rule for Medical Degrees

• Medical degree without doctoral dissertation = equivalent to Master’s degree

• Medical degree with doctoral dissertation = equivalent to PhD

Global diversity in academic qualifications is recognised.

Who Is Not Eligible?

You are not eligible if:

• You previously participated in Falling Walls Lab

• You submit more than one application

• You apply as a group

• You do not meet academic time limits

• You are under 18

Why This Opportunity Matters

Falling Walls Lab provides:

• International academic visibility

• Professional pitch experience

• Networking with researchers and innovators

• Recognition within the global research community

• Exposure to interdisciplinary innovation

It is particularly valuable for early-career researchers seeking international exposure.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check age and academic qualification requirements carefully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pitch Concept

Develop a concise 3-minute presentation explaining:

• The problem

• The innovation

• The “wall” your research breaks

• The societal or scientific impact

Step 3: Submit Application in English

Ensure all materials are in English.

Step 4: Apply to the Nearest Local Lab

Select the Lab geographically closest to your location.

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Final deadline: 1 June 2026

Late submissions are not accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying twice

• Submitting as a group

• Ignoring academic time limits

• Applying to the wrong Lab location

• Assuming travel costs are automatically covered

• Confusing the competition with a funding grant

Carefully review all eligibility rules before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Falling Walls Lab a funding programme?

No. It is a pitch competition, not a grant or funding scheme.

2. How long is the pitch?

Each participant presents for three minutes.

3. Can teams apply?

No. Applications must be individual.

4. Is there an age limit?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. No upper age limit is specified, but academic qualification timelines apply.

5. Are travel expenses covered?

Local travel is not covered. International travel is covered only if stated by organisers.

6. Can previous participants apply again?

No. Participation is allowed only once.

7. What is the application deadline?

1 June 2026.

Conclusion

Falling Walls Lab at ScienceAbroad Israel is a competitive platform for early-career researchers and students to present breakthrough ideas in a three-minute pitch format. With strict eligibility criteria and a clear submission process, applicants must ensure compliance with academic timelines, language requirements, and participation rules.

Eligible individuals should prepare a compelling, concise pitch and submit their application before 1 June 2026 to compete in this globally recognized innovation competition.