Entries open for Falling Walls Lab Thuwal (Saudi Arabia)

Falling Walls Lab invites students and early-career professionals in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, to present groundbreaking ideas in a three-minute pitch. The program targets innovations that address global challenges, encouraging interdisciplinary, scientific, social, technological, or environmental impact.

Overview of Falling Walls Lab

Falling Walls Lab is a platform for innovators to share breakthrough ideas and demonstrate how their research or project aims to “break a wall” in science and society. Participants pitch their ideas in three minutes, highlighting transformative potential across disciplines.

Key objectives include:

• Encouraging interdisciplinary innovation

• Addressing pressing global challenges

• Promoting transformative thinking in science, technology, social issues, and the environment

• Recognising and supporting early-career innovators

Eligibility Criteria

To participate, applicants must:

• Be students or early-career professionals from any academic discipline

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application

• Meet one of the following academic qualifications:

  • Currently enrolled at a university as a student

  • Bachelor’s degree earned within the last 10 years

  • Master’s degree earned within the last 7 years

  • PhD earned within the last 5 years

  • MD (without dissertation) considered equivalent to Master’s

  • Dr. med. (with dissertation) considered equivalent to PhD

Additional requirements:

• Apply to the Falling Walls Lab closest to your location

• Applications must be submitted in English

• Individual applications only; group submissions are not permitted

• Applicants may submit only one application

• Travel and accommodation costs for local labs are not covered; international travel is generally not supported unless specified

• Only first-time participants are eligible

How the Programme Works

1. Prepare a Three-Minute Pitch – Clearly communicate your idea, its impact, and which “wall” it aims to break.

2. Submit Application – Complete your application to the local Falling Walls Lab in English.

3. Selection Process – Organisers review submissions based on innovation, impact, and clarity.

4. Participate in Lab – Present your idea in a three-minute pitch in front of an expert jury.

5. Network and Recognition – Engage with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators to advance your idea.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Focus on clear, concise communication within the three-minute pitch

• Emphasize real-world impact of your idea on society, science, or technology

• Highlight interdisciplinary aspects of your innovation

• Demonstrate originality and transformative potential

• Ensure your application aligns with eligibility and submission requirements

FAQs

1. Who can apply to Falling Walls Lab?
Students or early-career professionals who are at least 18 and meet the academic qualification criteria.

2. Can I apply as a team?
No, only individual applications are accepted.

3. Are travel and accommodation costs covered?
Not for local labs; international travel is generally not covered unless explicitly stated.

4. Can previous participants reapply?
No, only first-time applicants are eligible.

5. In which language must applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted in English.

6. How long is the pitch?
Each applicant presents a three-minute pitch.

7. What kinds of ideas are eligible?
Ideas that aim to break barriers in science, technology, social impact, or environmental challenges and demonstrate transformative potential.

Conclusion

Falling Walls Lab in Thuwal offers an opportunity for students and early-career professionals to showcase innovative ideas that can drive scientific, social, technological, or environmental change. By delivering a concise three-minute pitch, participants gain exposure, feedback, and networking opportunities while contributing to global innovation and transformative thinking.