Falling Walls Lab
THE 2026 FALLING WALLS LAB SEASON SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!
Falling Walls Lab is a global pitch competition for the next generation of researchers and innovators. In just three minutes, students and early-career professionals from all disciplines take the stage to present ideas that have the potential to break down the walls standing in the way of progress.
Throughout the 2026 season, more than 1,000 selected researchers, innovators and scientists will take part in Falling Walls Labs hosted by leading academic institutions around the world. 100 Lab winners will advance to the Global Finale in Berlin in November, where they will explore Germany’s research and innovation landscape and compete for the title of Breakthrough Winner in the Emerging Talents category at the Falling Walls Science Summit.
The scale of the programme continues to grow: in 2025, more than 2,750 applicants took part in 82 Falling Walls Labs across 60 countries – showcasing the global reach, diversity and innovative spirit of the Falling Walls Lab network.
FIND A FALLING WALLS LAB NEAR YOU & APPLY TODAY!
Take part in one of this season’s Falling Walls Labs, showcase your ideas and connect with a global network of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
- Find the Falling Walls Lab closest to you and apply before the deadline
- Why you should apply
FIND A FALLING WALLS LAB NEAR YOU & APPLY TODAY!
Take part in one of this season’s Falling Walls Labs, showcase your ideas and connect with a global network of researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
- Find the Falling Walls Lab closest to you and apply before the deadline
- Why you should apply
FALLING WALLS BREAKTHROUGHS OF THE YEAR 2025 – EMERGING TALENTS
From over 100 outstanding Falling Walls Lab finalists worldwide who presented on stage at the Falling Walls Science Summit on 6 November, the jury selected three Breakthroughs of the Year in the Emerging Talents category of Falling Walls, recognizing creativity, scientific excellence, and global impact:
- 1st Place: Karen de la Vega-Hernández – Breaking the Wall of Molecular Monotony
- 2nd Place: Elena Barba Sarasua – Breaking the Wall of Solid Tumor Shields
- 3rd Place: Harry Wilton-Clark – Breaking the Wall of Rare Disease Therapies
FALLING WALLS BREAKTHROUGHS OF THE YEAR 2025 – EMERGING TALENTS
From over 100 outstanding Falling Walls Lab finalists worldwide who presented on stage at the Falling Walls Science Summit on 6 November, the jury selected three Breakthroughs of the Year in the Emerging Talents category of Falling Walls, recognizing creativity, scientific excellence, and global impact:
- 1st Place: Karen de la Vega-Hernández – Breaking the Wall of Molecular Monotony
- 2nd Place: Elena Barba Sarasua – Breaking the Wall of Solid Tumor Shields
- 3rd Place: Harry Wilton-Clark – Breaking the Wall of Rare Disease Therapies
The diversity of nationalities and ideas at the Falling Walls Science Summit reimagines my hope for a global future in AI, medicine, and sustainable energy for all.
Pewee Kolubah, Science Breakthrough of the Year 2nd place, 2024
Contact us
mail: lab@falling-walls.com
