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Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
Grants, VC funds, accelerators, and competitions for African entrepreneurs.
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Recognition + Berlin conference invitation + global science network access (no cash prize — value is in visibility and network)
Annual global science competition with two tracks: (1) the Global Call for Science Breakthroughs, where established researchers and teams present groundbreaking work across multiple categories, and (2) the Falling Walls Lab, where emerging talents pitch breakthrough ideas in 3 minutes at local events worldwide. Winners present at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin alongside Nobel laureates and global science leaders. Multiple Africa Lab locations ensure strong African representation.
Berlin Summit Invitation
Finalists present at the Falling Walls Science Summit (Nov 6-9, 2026) in Berlin to a global audience of science leaders.
Nobel Laureate Stage
Present alongside Nobel laureates and world-leading researchers on the same platform.
Science Breakthrough of the Year Title
Category winners receive the 'Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year' title — significant academic recognition.
Global Network Access
Join a network of past finalists, judges, and partners spanning academia, industry, and policy worldwide.
Media Visibility
Global media coverage and livestream exposure to international audience.
Lab: Local Event Recognition
Lab winners at each location receive recognition and advance to the Lab Finale at the Berlin Summit.
Life Sciences
Biology, neuroscience, zoology, and the scientific study of life and organisms.
Physical Sciences
Chemistry, physics, astronomy — observation and understanding of natural phenomena.
Engineering & Technology
AI, information technology, mechanical engineering — practical application of science and mathematics.
Social Sciences & Humanities
Research addressing societal challenges through social science and humanities disciplines.
Women's Impact Award
Excellence in interdisciplinary research and engagement contributing to gender equality, diversity in science and academia, and the UN SDGs.
Falling Walls Lab (Emerging Talents)
3-minute pitch competition held at 50+ locations worldwide. Africa 2026 locations: Ibadan (Nigeria), Accra (Ghana), Nairobi (Kenya), Gauteng (South Africa), Cairo (Egypt), Tunis (Tunisia). Winners advance to Lab Finale in Berlin.
Groundbreaking scientific achievements and innovations that break down walls between disciplines, between science and society, and between nations. Strong emphasis on breakthrough character — not incremental research. The Africa Lab locations specifically promote African breakthroughs and give African researchers global visibility.
Alumni network of past finalists and winners. Ongoing visibility through Falling Walls media channels. Connections to potential funders, collaborators, and institutional partners through the summit network. No formal post-program funding or mentorship structure.
I could not find independent applicant reviews or alumni writeups through available search results in this environment, so there is limited third-party evidence about the participant experience.; The opportunity appears to be visibility- and network-driven rather than cash-funded, which may be a mismatch for applicants seeking direct grant capital.
The 3-minute pitch format at Lab events is extremely strict — practice relentlessly. Focus on the 'wall' you are breaking, not just the science. Judges reward clarity, boldness, and real-world relevance over technical depth. For African researchers, the Lab locations in Ibadan, Accra, Nairobi, and Gauteng are lower-competition paths to the Berlin stage compared to European/US labs. Apply to the Global Call if you have published, peer-reviewed breakthrough work.
2009
Active Since
Yes
Deploying