International pitch competition for research and innovation
Three minutes. One idea. The opportunity to take your research to the global stage of science and innovation.
The Call for Applications for the Falling Walls Lab Baden-Württemberg 2026 is now open. The Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI) is once again participating as co-organiser of this international pitch competition for outstanding research ideas with societal impact.
Since 2022, the Falling Walls Lab Baden-Württemberg has brought together promising early-career researchers from a wide range of disciplines who aim to present innovative solutions to global challenges – from quantum technologies, mobility, and engineering to architecture and sustainable construction, as well as digital humanities and societal transformation.
On 22 July 2026, selected participants will have the opportunity to present their research at the Marsilius Kolleg of Heidelberg University in a three-minute pitch before a distinguished jury from academia and industry. The aim is to connect scientific excellence with societal relevance and to increase the visibility of innovative research ideas.
Call for Applications 2026: opportunity for early-career researchers
We are looking for committed Master students, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers who would like to bring their research to the stage. Projects with strong innovation potential and a clear connection to current societal challenges are particularly encouraged.
The competition is open to researchers from all disciplines – a start-up idea or entrepreneurial experience is not required.
Participants benefit from:
- the opportunity to qualify for the global finale at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin
- international visibility for their research
- professional pitch training prior to the event
- access to an interdisciplinary network spanning academia, industry, and society
Application deadline and key information
Application deadline: 8 June 2026
Event language: English
Regional partnerships with global reach
The Falling Walls Lab Baden-Württemberg 2026 is hosted by Heidelberg University in cooperation with strong partner institutions: the University of Stuttgart, the University of Konstanz, HEiKA – Heidelberg Karlsruhe Strategic Partnership, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) serve as co-organisers of the initiative.
As part of the international Falling Walls Foundation network, the format promotes exchange between academia, entrepreneurship, and society worldwide and provides early-career researchers with a platform to present their ideas with global visibility.
The University of Stuttgart supports the organization as part of the activities of the QCLUB-2 project at the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Science (ENI), funded within the QSENS Cluster4Future by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).