Falling Walls Lab pitching competition returns to Riga: apply until May 31
About the competition
The international pitching competition Falling Walls Lab Riga, Latvia will take place on June 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the House of Science of the University of Latvia (Jelgavas iela 3, Riga). The competition brings together students, young researchers, early-career professionals and innovators from all fields who present their innovative ideas in a concise and convincing three-minute pitch – ideas with the potential to change society, science, and the world as a whole.
Falling Walls Lab is a global initiative that takes place annually in more than 70 cities worldwide. In Latvia, the competition is organized by the DAAD Information Center Riga in cooperation with the University of Latvia and the Latvian Association of Young Scientists.
Evaluation criteria
The winner will be selected by a jury from academia, industry and the public sector, based on three criteria:
- Breakthrough & Innovation (50%)
- Relevance & Impact (40%)
- Structure & Performance (10%)
Winner
The winner of the Falling Walls Lab Riga, Latvia qualifies for the global finale on November 6, 2026, in Berlin and takes part in the Falling Walls Science Summit 2026, joining an international network of researchers and innovators. Finalists also participate in an extended program in Berlin, which includes professional skills development, networking opportunities and visits to leading research institutions.
Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the DAAD Information Center in Riga.
Which wall will your research break? If you are ready to share your idea with a global audience, apply now!
Applications
Participation in the competition is free. Applications for participation in the pitching competition are accepted until May 31, 2026 here.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must be at least 18 years old when submitting an application. Applicants must fulfil at least one of the formal requirements:
- Currently enrolled at university as a student
- Awarded a Bachelor’s degree no more than 10 years ago
- Awarded a Master’s degree* no more than 7 years ago
- Awarded a PhD* no more than 5 years ago
*An MD (medical degree excl. a doctoral dissertation) is deemed equivalent to a Master’s degree. A Dr. med. (medical degree incl. a doctoral dissertation) is deemed equivalent to a PhD.
Please also note:
- Applications must be submitted in English
- Presenting at a Falling Walls Lab is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Past participants are no longer eligible to apply for a Lab!
If you have any questions, please contact us at info.riga@daad.de.
About the Falling Walls Foundation
The Falling Walls Foundation is a non-profit organisation in Berlin, dedicated to supporting science and the humanities. It is a unique international platform for leaders from the worlds of science, business and politics, the arts, and society. Falling Walls fosters discussion on research and innovation, and promotes the latest scientific findings among a broad audience from all parts of society.
