Falling Walls Venture 2026: Where Science Meets Entrepreneurship
The intersection of science and entrepreneurship has never been more critical. As global challenges grow increasingly complex—from healthcare and climate change to materials innovation—science-driven start-ups are emerging as powerful engines of transformation. At the forefront of this movement is the Falling Walls Venture 2026, part of the prestigious Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs.
A Global Platform for Science-Based Start-ups
Falling Walls Venture is a unique global initiative that showcases the entrepreneurial potential of scientific research. It brings together innovators who are translating cutting-edge discoveries into real-world solutions.
The program invites nominations and applications from across the world, highlighting start-ups that:
- Are rooted in scientific research
- Have developed at least a prototype or proof of concept
- Were founded on or after 1 January 2021
This ensures that the platform features emerging ventures with both scientific rigor and commercial promise.
Focus on Breakthrough Innovation
The 2026 call spans eight categories under the broader Falling Walls initiative, including:
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Art & Science
- Women’s Impact Award
- Science Engagement
- Science Start-ups (Falling Walls Venture)
Among these, Falling Walls Venture specifically focuses on identifying and promoting science-based start-ups that are solving pressing global problems.
In collaboration with SCHOTT, a global leader in advanced materials, the program is also placing special emphasis on start-ups working on pioneering material solutions—highlighting the growing importance of materials science in innovation ecosystems.
From Lab to Market
What sets Falling Walls Venture apart is its commitment to bridging the gap between laboratory research and market-ready solutions.
Selected start-ups gain the opportunity to:
- Pitch at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin
- Connect with investors, industry leaders, and global partners
- Gain visibility among leading organizations such as Boehringer Ingelheim and SCHOTT
This platform not only accelerates innovation but also provides critical exposure and networking opportunities.
A Proven Track Record
Since its launch in 2013, Falling Walls Venture has demonstrated remarkable impact:
- 1,800+ nominations received globally
- 275+ finalists showcased on stage
- €4.1 billion+ funding raised collectively
- 95% survival rate among participating start-ups
These numbers reflect the program’s role in nurturing sustainable, high-impact ventures.
Application Details for 2026
The application and nomination period for the 2026 edition is:
📅 02 February – 15 April 2026
Applicants and nominators can submit entries through the official Falling Walls portal by:
- Registering with an email address
- Selecting the appropriate category
- Completing and submitting the application form
Notably, nominators of selected finalists will receive a free ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit, making participation even more rewarding.
Why It Matters
Falling Walls Venture represents more than just a competition—it is a global movement that celebrates the translation of science into societal impact. By empowering researchers to become entrepreneurs, it helps ensure that scientific breakthroughs do not remain confined to laboratories but reach the people who need them most.
As we look toward 2026, the call is clear:
If you are building a science-based start-up—or know someone who is—this is your opportunity to take it to the global stage.
🔗 Learn more and apply: https://falling-walls.com/venture
📩 Contact: breakthrough@falling-walls.com
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