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Falling Walls Lab Competition: Break Barriers, Shape the Future (Finland)

Deadline: 21-May-2026

Falling Walls Lab is an international platform for students and early-career professionals to present groundbreaking ideas that break barriers in science and society. The program emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and early-stage solutions across diverse fields. Applicants must meet academic or professional criteria, submit individually in English, and participate in their closest Lab, with participation allowed only once.

Overview of Falling Walls Lab

Falling Walls Lab is a global initiative designed to showcase innovative ideas and solutions with societal and scientific impact. It provides a platform for early-stage thinkers to present interdisciplinary research, inventions, or concepts that challenge existing boundaries and inspire progress.

Key objectives:

  • Highlight breakthrough ideas in science, technology, and society

  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration

  • Support early-career innovators in presenting impactful solutions

  • Foster global networking and knowledge exchange

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility ensures the program attracts motivated innovators with recent academic or professional credentials:

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 international 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; group submissions are not allowed

  • Participation is limited to once in a lifetime

  • Submit to the Lab closest to you

  • English submissions only

  • Travel and accommodation costs are not covered unless explicitly stated

Why It Matters

Falling Walls Lab empowers early-stage innovators to:

  • Present groundbreaking ideas on a global stage

  • Engage with interdisciplinary peers and mentors

  • Receive feedback and visibility for early-stage projects

  • Contribute to societal progress through science, technology, and social innovation

The program also strengthens the global innovation ecosystem by connecting diverse thinkers and fostering cross-border collaboration.

How to Apply / How It Works

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

  • Confirm age (≥18 years)

  • Ensure academic qualifications meet the program criteria

Step 2: Prepare Your Idea

  • Focus on innovative and impactful solutions

  • Highlight the problem, approach, and potential societal benefit

  • Prepare a clear 3-minute presentation

Step 3: Submit Your Application

  • Submit individually in English

  • Choose the Falling Walls Lab location nearest you

  • Ensure it is your first-time participation

Step 4: Participate in the Lab

  • Present your idea to an expert jury and peers

  • Receive feedback and mentorship

  • Network with other early-career innovators

Step 5: Recognition and Opportunities

  • Outstanding participants may gain visibility, awards, or further research opportunities

  • Exceptional ideas may advance to international Falling Walls events

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying more than once or submitting multiple applications

  • Submitting a group application

  • Choosing a Lab location far from your residence

  • Failing to meet academic or age requirements

  • Submitting in a language other than English

Tips for Success

  • Clearly define the problem and innovation in your idea

  • Emphasize the societal impact of your solution

  • Practice a 3-minute concise presentation

  • Highlight interdisciplinary relevance

  • Ensure your application meets all eligibility criteria

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply to Falling Walls Lab?

Students and early-career professionals at least 18 years old with a recent degree or equivalent qualification.

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 once in a lifetime. Past participants are ineligible.

4. What languages are accepted for applications?

All applications must be submitted in English.

5. Are travel and accommodation costs covered?

Not unless explicitly stated by the local Lab organizers.

6. What counts as an equivalent qualification?

An MD without a dissertation is equivalent to a Master’s, and a Dr. med. with a dissertation is equivalent to a PhD.

7. Can I apply to any Lab location?

Applicants must apply to the Lab closest to them.

Conclusion

Falling Walls Lab provides a unique platform for early-career innovators to present groundbreaking ideas, engage with global peers, and contribute to societal progress. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and early-stage thinking, the program accelerates innovation and empowers the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.

For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.