Full Programme for Falling Walls Lab Finalists

5–9 November | Berlin

Each year, the 100 international winners of that season’s Falling Walls Labs are invited to Berlin to participate in a unique, multi-faceted programme. Designed exclusively for Falling Walls Lab Finalists, it combines curated activities with full access to the Falling Walls Science Summit — offering an inspiring week of learning, networking, and global visibility.

Organised in collaboration with key partners including the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), the DFG (German Research Foundation), the Italian Embassy in Berlin, and Springer Nature, the programme offers finalists opportunities to build connections, explore new perspectives, and present their ideas on a global stage.

Programme Highlights

• Welcome Event at the Italian Embassy I 5 November
  An official welcome hosted by the Italian Embassy in Berlin marks the start of the week. Finalists meet fellow participants, the Falling Walls Lab team, representatives from the DAAD, and the Italian Embassy. The day features a dedicated pitch training, interactive workshops by Springer Nature, and an engaging plenary session — equipping finalists with tools and confidence ahead of the Falling Walls Global Finale.
   
• Falling Walls Lab Global Finale I 6 November 
  All finalists take the stage to pitch their breakthrough ideas in front of a high-profile jury – in just 3 minutes. They compete for the title “Breakthrough of the Year” in the Emerging Talents category; an official highlight of the Falling Walls Science Summit.
   
• Research Insight Day hosted by DAAD and DFG I 7 November
  A deep dive into Germany’s research ecosystem, including info sessions, Q&A, a networking lunch, and guided visits to top-tier institutions — designed to open doors for future academic and professional opportunities.
   
• Exclusive Dinner hosted by DFG I tbc
  A celebratory dinner hosted by the German Research Foundation, offering finalists time to get-together and unwind after the Global Finale.
   
• Falling Walls Circle I 8 November
  Finalists join public debates, scientific symposia, and networking events with global leaders from science, policy, and business as part of the Falling Walls Science Summit.
   
• Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year I 9 November
  The top three Falling Walls Lab finalists are invited to pitch again on the prestigious Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year-stage — alongside Nobel laureates, Leibniz Prize winners, and world-renowned scientists and outstanding innovators.