Falling Walls Lab

Falling Walls Lab is a world-class pitch competition, networking forum, and steppingstone that brings together a diverse and interdisciplinary pool of students, researchers, and early-career professionals by providing a stage for breakthrough ideas both globally and locally. Selected participants are given three minutes to present their research project, business plan, entrepreneurial or social initiative to peers, a high-caliber jury, and the general public.
Every year the DAAD Johannesburg Office along with a different chosen University partner, hosts a Falling Walls Lab in the Gauteng area. This is a great opportunity to showcase African Excellence and promote international research innovation cooperation.
The first-place winner of the regional Lab qualifies for the global finale in Berlin in November and wins a ticket to attend the Falling Walls Science Summit, where they get to interact and network with the world’s movers and shakers of science, business, and policy making.
The winner also gets the chance to apply to participate in the Innovation Week. During the Innovation Week participants receive support in developing a business plan based on their idea and learn how to successfully become one of the next generation entrepreneurs in Germany.

© FWL
Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that creates a positive impact on science and society. Falling Wall Lab Johannesburg 2023 is being brought to you by the DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand.
Selected participants are given three minutes to present their research project, business plan, entrepreneurial or social initiative to peers, a high-calibre jury, and the general public.
The first-place winner of the Lab qualifies for the global finale in Berlin in November and wins a ticket to attend the Falling Walls Science Summit, where they get to interact and network with the world’s movers and shakers of science, business, and policy making.
The winner will also get the chance to apply to participate in the Innovation Week. During the Innovation Week participants will receive support in developing a business plan based on their idea and learn how to successfully become one of the next generation entrepreneurs in Germany. They will be placed at one of the leading Universities of Technology in Germany.
Submit your applications here
Friday 2 June 2023
The Falling Walls Lab will take place at Wits University in Johannesburg – exact location and further information will be shared directly with the participants.
Application deadline extended until 17 April 2023For further questions please contact the DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg (daad@wits.ac.za) or the Falling Walls Foundation (lab@falling-walls.com)