DAAD Falling Walls Lab for Students and Researchers 2024

Falling Walls Lab is a world-class pitch competition, networking forum, and steppingstone that brings together a diverse and interdisciplinary pool of students, researchers, and early-career professionals by providing a stage for breakthrough ideas both globally and locally. Selected participants are given three minutes to present their research project, business plan, entrepreneurial or social initiative to peers, a high-caliber jury, and the general public.

Every year the DAAD Johannesburg Office along with a different chosen University partner, hosts a Falling Walls Lab in the Gauteng area. This is a great opportunity to showcase African Excellence and promote international research innovation cooperation.

The first-place winner of the regional Lab qualifies for the global finale in Berlin in November and wins a ticket to attend the Falling Walls Science Summit, where they get to interact and network with the world’s movers and shakers of science, business, and policy making.

The winner also gets the chance to apply to participate in the Innovation Week. During the Innovation Week participants receive support in developing a business plan based on their idea and learn how to successfully become one of the next generation entrepreneurs in Germany.

Aim and Benefits

The Lab winner will qualify for the global finale in November, securing a ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin —an exclusive opportunity to connect with world leaders in science, business, and policy!

Requirements

Which wall will your research break? We are calling on all students and early-career professionals of all disciplines to pitch their ground breaking ideas in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that creates a positive impact on science and society.