Falling Walls Lab Edmonton

The 2024 application period is open.

In your application, you will be asked to provide information about yourself and your studies and to briefly describe your project, the problem it addresses and the solutions it offers. You can also link to a video or project website, if applicable.

Applications are submitted centrally via the Falling Walls Lab Edmonton page.

The Falling Walls Lab team prescreens all applications based on the eligibility criteria and forwards the applications to the international Lab organizers.

The international Lab organizers screen applications and select 15–20 candidates based on the following criteria:

• Individual: Quality of innovative idea, education and academic grade, relevant work experience
• Group composition: Gender balance, diversity (nationality, discipline, etc.).

Eligibility

Bachelor and Master students, PhD candidates, postdocs, early-career professionals, and entrepreneurs from all disciplines are invited to apply.

Applicants must fulfill at least one of the following formal requirements: 

• They must be currently enrolled in university and/or are currently a postdoc,
• they received a Bachelor’s degree no more than 10 years ago, 
• they received a Master’s degree no more than 7 years ago, 
• they received a PhD no more than 5 years ago. 

An MD (medical degree excl. a doctoral dissertation) is considered equivalent to a Master’s degree.

A Dr. med. (medical degree incl. a doctoral dissertation) is considered equivalent to a PhD.

The eligibility criteria are binding for all international Labs. No exceptions are allowed which limit the participation to students and staff of one university or to specific degrees (e.g. PhD students only). The diversity of academic degrees worldwide is recognized.

Age

Participants must be of full age according to their domestic legislation or older, however, no less than 18 years old. Their legal age status must be checked by the international Lab organizer prior to participation.

Multiple participation

If an applicant presented at an international Falling Walls Lab or at the Falling Walls Lab finale prior to December 2023, they are not allowed to apply/participate again.

Group participation

Groups are not allowed to present at a Falling Walls Lab. Only a single person may apply and present. Presenters must outline their own contribution if a project was a group effort.

Falling Walls Lab Edmonton

Date: Friday September 20, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm MDT
Location: TBA

Falling Walls Lab Edmonton is an in-person event. 

The jury evaluates based on the following criteria:

1. Breakthrough Factor (How innovative is the proposed idea?) 50%,
2. Relevance/Impact (How relevant is the idea for the discipline and beyond?) 40%, and 
3. Structure/Performance (How convincing was the presentation?) 10%. 

The jury shall make a decision at its own discretion.

Benefits of competing in Falling Walls Lab

International lab winners get the opportunity to travel to Berlin, Germany and:

• Compete in the Falling Walls Lab finale to become one of three Breakthrough Winners in the Emerging Talents category of Falling Walls. Emerging Talents Breakthrough Winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to pitch their idea on the Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year stage, which, throughout the day, hosts leading experts, changemakers and luminaries.
• Participate in an exclusive extended programme. Past programme points:
  • Professional pitch coaching session
  • Networking lunch & ‘Insights into German Research‘ Information Session
  • Dinner hosted by the German Research Foundation (DFG)
  • Hangout with Springer Nature on Science Communication & Publishing
• Attend the prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit (November 7-9)
• Network with winners and Falling Walls Science Summit participants
• Increase their project‘s global reach and visibility with a pitch video in the Falling Walls Content Library
• Join the global Falling Walls Lab alumni community

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the timeline for applying to and participating in Falling Walls Lab Edmonton?

Does the winner have to cover the cost of going to Berlin?

Flights to Berlin from Edmonton and back again, as well as accommodation in Berlin for the duration of the Falling Walls Science Summit will be arranged and covered by event sponsors. 

Is Falling Walls Lab Edmonton a hybrid event?

No. Falling Walls Lab Edmonton is an in-person event. Applicants who are invited to present their pitch will be expected to deliver it in-person.

Will applicants invited to present their pitch at Falling Walls Lab Edmonton receive any instruction or coaching?

Yes. There will be an opportunity for applicants who are invited to present at Falling Walls Lab Edmonton to take part in a coaching workshop.