Deadline: 29-May-2026
Falling Walls Lab Vienna invites students and early-career professionals to present innovative ideas with the potential to break barriers in science and society. Applicants can showcase interdisciplinary breakthroughs, collaborate globally, and gain recognition for creative solutions in research, technology, and social innovation.
Program Overview
The Falling Walls Lab fosters interdisciplinary innovation and encourages participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to:
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Present breakthrough ideas in science, technology, or social impact
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Engage in global collaboration and networking
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Develop communication, pitching, and presentation skills
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Explore solutions that address societal challenges
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 category of students or early-career professionals
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Meet at least one academic criterion:
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Currently enrolled at a university, or
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Bachelor’s degree completed within the last 10 years
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Master’s degree completed within the last 7 years
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PhD completed within the last 5 years
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A medical degree without a doctoral dissertation is equivalent to a Master’s; a medical degree with a dissertation is equivalent to a PhD
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Apply to the Lab nearest to them, as travel and accommodation costs are generally not covered
Participation Guidelines
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Applications must be submitted individually in English
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Group applications or multiple submissions are not allowed
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Participation is limited to once in a lifetime; previous participants are ineligible
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No ticket purchase is required for international Labs, but travel support is typically not included unless provided by local organizers
Focus Areas
The program emphasizes ideas that:
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Cross traditional academic and professional disciplines
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Offer novel solutions to scientific, technological, or social challenges
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Encourage interdisciplinary thinking and creativity
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Contribute to global knowledge exchange and impact
Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
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Gain recognition for innovative ideas at national and international levels
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Connect with mentors, peers, and experts in interdisciplinary fields
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Receive feedback to refine and implement projects
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Enhance communication, presentation, and pitching skills
How to Apply
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Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements
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Identify the nearest Falling Walls Lab for submission
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Prepare an individual application in English, including a clear description of your idea and its impact
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Submit the application before the official deadline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying more than once or as part of a group
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Submitting an application in a language other than English
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Applying to a Lab outside your local area without confirming travel support
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Ignoring eligibility timelines for degrees
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Students and early-career professionals meeting academic criteria outlined above.
2. Can I submit multiple applications? No, only one application per person is allowed.
3. Are group applications accepted? No, applications must be individual.
4. Are travel and accommodation costs covered? Usually not; applicants must confirm with local Lab organizers.
5. Can previous participants apply again? No, participation is limited to once in a lifetime.
6. What types of ideas are encouraged? Interdisciplinary innovations with potential scientific, technological, or societal impact.
7. Is a ticket required for application? No, applications do not require a ticket purchase.
Conclusion
Falling Walls Lab Vienna provides a platform for innovators to showcase breakthrough ideas, gain mentorship, and build global networks. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, creative thinking, and societal impact, empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to science and society.
For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.