The Falling Walls Lab is an international competition that provides a platform for students and early-career professionals to present their innovative ideas. The upcoming event in Nairobi, Kenya, invites participants to pitch a breakthrough concept in just three minutes, showcasing research that positively impacts science and society. This initiative is part of the global Falling Walls network, which connects science, business, and society to foster impact-oriented ideas and discoveries, driven by a shared dedication to creating breakthroughs across borders and disciplines.
Event Details
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (venue details to be announced)
• Date: 13 August 2026
• Local Organiser: Pint of Science Kenya
Application Information
• Application Deadline: 26 June 2026
• Contact: kenya@pintofscience.com
• Note: Applicants should familiarize themselves with the application process and terms & conditions before submission. Once an application is submitted, it cannot be edited.
Eligibility Criteria
• Eligible Applicants: Students and early-career professionals of all disciplines.
• Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
• Formal Requirements: Applicants must fulfill at least one of the following conditions:
- Currently enrolled at a university as a student.
- Received a Bachelor’s degree no more than 10 years ago.
- Received a Master’s degree no more than 7 years ago.
- Received a PhD no more than 5 years ago.
• Degree Equivalency: An MD (medical degree excluding a doctoral dissertation) is considered equivalent to a Master’s degree. A Dr. med. (medical degree including a doctoral dissertation) is considered equivalent to a PhD.
Application Guidelines and Conditions
• Program Type: Falling Walls Lab is a pitch competition, not a grant agency.
• Location: Applicants are advised to apply to the Falling Walls Lab closest to their location.
• Travel Costs: Falling Walls does not cover travel costs to and from local Labs. Travel and accommodation expenses for international Labs will not be covered unless otherwise stated by local organizers.
• Application Format: Applications must be submitted in English. Group applications are not permitted.
• Submission Limits: Submitting multiple applications is not permitted.
• Participation: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; past participants are not eligible to apply.
• Cost: No ticket purchase is necessary when applying to an international Falling Walls Lab.
• Confirmation: Applicants must confirm they have not previously participated in a Falling Walls Lab and accept the terms and conditions.
As a global hub connecting forward-thinking minds, the Falling Walls Foundation is dedicated to identifying the next barriers to fall in science and society. The initiative facilitates discourse and cooperation among researchers, decision-makers, and emerging talents to build alliances for a more open, peaceful, and sustainable world. By enabling scientists to share their knowledge with the widest possible audience, the program aims to generate socially and geographically inclusive thinking and impact.