Falling Walls Lab Manitoba

Falling Walls Lab is a fast-paced pitch competition where emerging innovators present their groundbreaking research or idea in just 3 minutes. Hosted globally and locally, it's your chance to connect with experts, inspire change, and join a global network of changemakers. The winner from Manitoba will advance to the international finale in Berlin, Germany during the Falling Walls Science Summit (Nov 6–9, 2025).

About the Lab

The winner of our adrenaline-fueled showdown will jet off to Berlin, Germany, to represent Manitoba on the world stage at the prestigious Falling Walls finale. This isn't just any conference – it's a celebration of freedom, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of breaking barriers. With visionaries from over 60 nations coming together, the energy is unparalleled, and the possibilities are endless.

Hosted by the trailblazing Falling Walls Foundation, our Lab is your chance to shine. Join us and be part of a movement that's reshaping the future of science and humanity. Our Lab is an independently organized event. But the excitement? That's all you!"

logo of UofW, falling walls lab & UM

Falling Walls Lab Manitoba

Important Dates

  • Applications Open
  • Applications Close
  • Falling Walls Lab Manitoba
  • Falling Walls Lab Final in Berlin

Dates for info sessions coming soon!

Eligibility

The Falling Walls Lab competition is open to university students and early-career professionals of all disciplines

Age

You must be 18 years or older when submitting your application. There is no upper age limit for applicants. 

Education

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

  • You are currently enrolled in university and/or are currently a postdoc
  • You received a Bachelor's degree no more than 10 years ago
  • You received a Master's degree no more than 7 years ago
  • You 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.

Previous winners

Prizes

First Prize

  • $1000 + Trip to Berlin

    Win a trip to Berlin (travel and accomodations included)
    Participate in global Falling Walls Lab Finale (November 6, 2025)
    Ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit (November 7-9 2025)
    Access to 1-on-1 coaching from experts

2nd Prize

$750

3rd Prize

$500

Audience Choice Winner

$500

Application Process

You will need to have your CV in PDF format, and have the following information ready to complete your application in the online form

  • General Information

    • Name, email address, etc.
       

  • Education

    • Education status
    • University / College
    • Name of studies/major
    • Field of study
    • Grade on a general scale
    • Expected degree
    • Expected graduation year
       

  • Current Affiliation

    • Institution name
    • Position
    • Institution city and country
    • Awards
    • CV to upload in PDF format, max. 3MB
       

  • Innovative Idea

    • Presentation title: Breaking the wall of... (40 character limit incl. spaces)
    • Project field as well as subfield within project field (40 character limit incl. spaces)
    • Please state the problem you plan to address (200 character limit incl. spaces)
    • Please state your solution to the problem (200 character limit incl. spaces)
    • Please describe your project in 1-2 sentences (200 character limit incl. spaces)
    • Link to project website/video (if applicable)

Evaluation Criteria

Breakthrough Factor - 50%

How innovative is the proposed idea?

Relevance/Impact - 40%

How relevant is the idea to the discipline and beyond?

Structure/Performace - 10%

How convincing was the presentation?

Contact us

If you have any questions, please reach email us at: ideastart@umanitoba.ca