Engage Pitches

Falling Walls Engage is calling for Science Engagement projects that contribute to Climate Action—one of the most urgent global challenges of our time. We are particularly interested in projects that enable meaningful climate mitigation or adaptation and empower communities to actively respond to the impacts of climate change. 

Climate change is already reshaping ecosystems, societies, and economies worldwide. Addressing these challenges requires decisive action: reducing greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) while simultaneously strengthening the capacity of communities and systems to cope with current and future climate impacts (adaptation). 

Science Engagement projects can play a powerful role in advancing Climate Action. By connecting scientific knowledge with societal needs, these initiatives translate evidence into practice, support informed decision-making, and foster collective action. They engage diverse audiences, encourage collaboration, and create spaces where communities can develop and implement solutions that are both locally relevant and scientifically sound. 

The projects applying for the Falling Walls Engage Pitches are required to address climate action as a core element.

Benefits for the 30 Shortlisted Applicants

• Unique networking-opportunities with like-minded Science Engagement practitioners & professionals and peers around the world
• A hands-on pitch training session to refine your presentation and storytelling skills
• Increased global visibility for you and your initiative
• Access to our global community, to connect and collaborate with community members

Extra Benefits for the 15 Finalists

• Travel scholarship to Berlin (6–10 November 2026) and a ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit
• Opportunity to pitch live on stage in front of an international audience and distinguished jury
• In-depth peer learning and exchange with community members, partners, and global leaders
• A chance to become the Science Breakthrough of the Year 2026 in Science Engagement
• Your live pitch published in the Falling Walls media library

Additional Benefit for the Science Breakthrough of the Year

• Pitch your project on the main stage on 9 November 2026 in front of a global physical and virtual audience, including decision-makers, media, and industry experts

You can apply if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are an individual or organisation active in Science Engagement
• Your project focuses on Climate Action
• Your project is already running (ideas or funding-stage projects are not eligible)
• You are 18 years or older at the time of submission
• Your application is submitted in English
• Your project has never been presented (physically or digitally) at Falling Walls Engage before

All disciplines and project sizes are welcome.

Step 1 – Application Phase
Applications are open from 2 February to 15 April 2026.

Step 2 – Shortlisting
A selection committee reviews all applications.
In June 2026, 30 projects are selected as Shortlisted Applicants.

Step 3 – Finalists
In July 2026, 15 finalists are selected and invited to Berlin to pitch live on 7 November 2026.

Step 4 – Science Breakthrough of the Year
The Science Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement is selected by an international jury and announced on 7 November 2026. The winner presents again on the main stage on 9 November 2026.

Projects are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Impact (40%)
  Measurable, lasting impact on people’s lives and climate mitigation or adaptation
• Innovation (30%)
  New, unique, forward-thinking, and entrepreneurial approaches to global challenges
• Approach (20%)
  Inclusive, participatory formats that enable two-way engagement and co-creation
• Overall Impression (10%)
  Clarity, structure, and quality of the application and pitch quality for finalists on stage 

Click here to see the pie chart on selection criteria. 

What Defines the Science Breakthrough of the Year?

The winning initiative:

• Breaks down walls between science and society with its individual approach on climate action;
• Actively involves people through co-learning, co-creation, and shared leadership;
• Is innovative, future-oriented, and entrepreneurial in nature.

If you have further questions, please reach out to: engage@falling-walls.com.

Falling Walls Engage Pitches will take place as a physical event on 7 November 2026 in Berlin as part of the Falling Walls Science Summit, which will take place on 7 – 9 November 2026.

Benefits for the 30 Shortlisted Applicants

• Unique networking-opportunities with like-minded Science Engagement practitioners & professionals and peers around the world
• A hands-on pitch training session to refine your presentation and storytelling skills
• Increased global visibility for you and your initiative
• Access to our global community, to connect and collaborate with community members

Extra Benefits for the 15 Finalists

• Travel scholarship to Berlin (6–10 November 2026) and a ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit
• Opportunity to pitch live on stage in front of an international audience and distinguished jury
• In-depth peer learning and exchange with community members, partners, and global leaders
• A chance to become the Science Breakthrough of the Year 2026 in Science Engagement
• Your live pitch published in the Falling Walls media library

Additional Benefit for the Science Breakthrough of the Year

• Pitch your project on the main stage on 9 November 2026 in front of a global physical and virtual audience, including decision-makers, media, and industry experts

The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year, Science Engagement is an exemplary, inspiring, and impactful initiative that:

• breaks down walls between science and society with its individual approach on climate change;
• engages with people in the process of science, promotes opportunities for co-learning, co-leadership and co-creation and creates excitement for and trust in science;
• shows a project that is new, unique, innovative, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial.

You have the possibility to nominate other Science Engagement projects as well as to apply directly with your Science Engagement project.

Please note: You do not need a nomination to apply, but can also submit your application directly yourself.

To do so, please fill out our nomination / application form.

STEP 1: Click on “Nominate or Apply Now”
STEP 2: Register for our platform
STEP 3: Choose “I am nominating” or “I would like to apply”
STEP 4: Choose the category “Science Engagement”
STEP 5: Fill in your application
Get a confirmation email with further information regarding the competition process.

Step 1 – Application Phase
Applications are open from 2 February to 15 April 2026.

Step 2 – Shortlisting
A selection committee reviews all applications.
In June 2026, 30 projects are selected as Shortlisted Applicants.

Step 3 – Finalists
In July 2026, 15 finalists are selected and invited to Berlin to pitch live on 7 November 2026.

Step 4 – Science Breakthrough of the Year
The Science Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement is selected by an international jury and announced on 7 November 2026. The winner presents again on the main stage on 9 November 2026.

When submitting an application, we ask you to upload the following documents:

1) A portrait picture (max. size 10 MB)

2) At least one project picture (max. size 10 MB)

3) A simple 1-minute video (.avi or .mp4 format, max. 100MB) answering these questions:

• What is your name and where are you from?
• What is your project’s name, what is it about and how does it engage the public with science?

4) A voice recording of yourself spelling your name 

The participation at Falling Walls Engage Pitches is a limited, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for projects. By applying, applicants confirms that they have never presented the project on a (virtual or physical) stage at Falling Walls Pitches before. An exception applies only if the applicant presents a different project that meets the eligibility criteria outlined above.