Falling Walls Lab
THE FALLING WALLS LAB SEASON 2026 SEASON IS OPEN!
Falling Walls Lab is a global pitch competition that brings together an interdiciplinary pool of students and early-career professionals, providing a stage for their breakthrough ideas in 3-minute pitches.
Throughout the season, over 1,000 selected researchers, innovators and scientists will take part in local Falling Walls Labs, hosted by leading academic institutions worldwide.
Together they send a total of 100 winners to the Global Finale in Berlin in November, during which they gain valuable insights into Germany’s research landscape and compete for the Breakthrough Winner in the Emerging Talents category at the Falling Walls Science Summit. In 2025, more than 2,750 applicants participated in 82 Falling Walls Labs across 60 countries, demonstrating the programme's reach, impact, and spirit of innovation.
APPLICATIONS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN!
We’re excited to celebrate the start of a new season with many Falling Walls Lab organisers hosting a Lab again this year. Explore Labs near you, with more locations added regularly.
Here is what you need to do:
- Check if you are eligible to apply.
- Chose the Falling Walls Lab that is closest to you.
Don’t see a location near you? New locations are added regularly, so check back soon. - Apply within the application deadline.
Please note: If you have pitched in a Falling Walls Lab before, you are no longer eligible to apply.
APPLICATIONS ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN!
We’re excited to celebrate the start of a new season with many Falling Walls Lab organisers hosting a Lab again this year. Explore Labs near you, with more locations added regularly.
Here is what you need to do:
- Check if you are eligible to apply.
- Chose the Falling Walls Lab that is closest to you.
Don’t see a location near you? New locations are added regularly, so check back soon. - Apply within the application deadline.
Please note: If you have pitched in a Falling Walls Lab before, you are no longer eligible to 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
