Competition
Falling Walls Lab 2026
Falling Walls Foundation
Summary
A global 3-minute pitch competition for students, early-career researchers and innovators, with a Global Finale in Berlin.
About
Falling Walls Lab is a global pitch competition that brings together an interdisciplinary pool of students, early-career researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, giving them a stage to present breakthrough ideas in just three minutes. The 2026 season runs from 1 February to 15 September 2026, with over 1,000 selected participants competing in local Labs hosted by leading universities and research institutions worldwide. Winners of each local Lab qualify for the Global Finale in Berlin, held alongside the Falling Walls Science Summit (6–9 November 2026), where finalists pitch to an international jury of science and business leaders. Applications are made to a specific local Lab — check the Lab map for confirmed 2026 host locations and their individual deadlines.
Eligibility
You must fulfil at least one of the following: • Currently enrolled at a university as a student • Received a Bachelor's degree no more than 10 years ago (2016 or later) • Received a Master's or PhD within the eligibility window set by the Foundation Open to all disciplines — science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, business and the arts.
Benefits
A trip to Berlin for the Global Finale, including travel and accommodation for local Lab winners. Access to the Falling Walls Science Summit and its global network of researchers and decision-makers. International visibility for your research or venture, plus media exposure.
