Applications Open for Falling Walls Lab Jeddah 2026

Applications have opened for Falling Walls Lab Jeddah 2026, a pitch competition that invites students and early-career professionals in Saudi Arabia to present innovative ideas addressing scientific and societal challenges.

The competition requires participants to deliver a three-minute presentation outlining an idea, project, research finding or innovation and its potential impact.

The winner of the Jeddah edition will earn a place at the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale, scheduled to take place in Berlin in November 2026.

Applications are open until September 1st, 2026.

The programme accepts individual applications from all academic and professional disciplines. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet one of several educational eligibility requirements.

Eligible candidates include current university students, individuals who obtained a Bachelor's degree within the past 10 years, a Master's degree within the past seven years, or a PhD within the past five years.

All applications and presentations must be submitted in English.

According to the competition guidelines, participation is limited to one application per person. Team entries, multiple submissions and previous Falling Walls Lab participants are not eligible to apply.

Entries will be assessed on criteria including originality, innovation, relevance, potential impact, feasibility, scalability, communication quality and the effectiveness of the three-minute presentation format.
The local winner will represent Jeddah at the global competition in Berlin. Travel costs for finalists are covered by the responsible international Falling Walls Lab organiser, while the Falling Walls Foundation will provide one night of accommodation during the event.
Finalists are responsible for ensuring they hold valid travel documents and obtain any required visas before travelling to Germany.