How to Apply for Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand
Eligibility criteria and information on how to apply for Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand
Current status
Applications for 2026 are now OPEN - APPLY HERE NOW!
Closing Date: Rāapa Wednesday 8 April 2026, Noon 12.00pm (NZST).
Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand
- WHEN: Rātū Tuesday 23 June 2026 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
- WHO: Up to 20 New Zealand-based applicants and up to two Pacific Island Forum nation-based applicants will be selected to take part in the event
- More information: Falling Walls Lab FAQ
Students and early-career professionals within all disciplines from Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific Island Forum (PIF) nations are invited to participate in the Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand event.
Why participate in a Falling Walls Lab
- Provides participants with networking opportunities amongst like-minded individuals
- Celebrates and promotes outstanding talents in academia and the innovation sector
- Fosters co-operation and knowledge sharing across the South Pacific region
- Strengthens links between research and development across academia and business
Award and winner's prize
Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand will cover flight costs for the selected finalists from their place of residence to Wellington. PIF nation-based finalists (excluding New Zealand and Australia) will additionally receive four nights of accommodation in Wellington. Lunch and a closing reception is provided for finalists and guests at the event.
Further expenses for meals and accommodation (in addition to what has been discussed above), visa applications, insurance cover (where applicable) and other costs are the responsibility of the finalists.
The winner of Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand will be invited to travel to the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale in Berlin on 6 November 2026. The winner's prize will consist of return economy flights from place of residence to Berlin, four nights of accommodation in Berlin (includes one night covered by Falling Walls Lab Berlin) and a ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit 6-9 November 2026.
Eligibility criteria
As an applicant you must:
- Currently reside in either New Zealand or a PIF nation (excl. Australia*)
- Be 18 years of age or over
- Hold a passport that is valid until at least May 2027
- Not have previously presented at Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand
In addition, you must fulfill at least one of the following formal requirements:
- You are currently enrolled in university or any tertiary education organisation, or
- You received a Bachelor’s degree no more than 10 years ago (i.e. conferred on or after 1 January 2016)**, or
- You received a Master’s degree no more than 7 years ago (i.e. conferred on or after 1 January 2019)**, or
- You received a PhD no more than 5 years ago (i.e. conferred on or after 1 January 2021)**
* applicants residing in Australia may be eligible to apply for Falling Walls Lab Australia
**for each child, one year of parental leave is added to the deadline
How to apply
Applicants must submit their applications to Falling Walls Lab Foundation Berlin.
- Go to the Falling Walls Lab Foundation application website
- Find and select "Aotearoa New Zealand"
- Complete the online form and attach your curriculum vitae in PDF format
Application deadline
Applications for 2026 are now OPEN.
Closing Date: Rāapa Wednesday 8 April 2026, Noon 12.00pm (NZST).
Applicants will be notified of the outcome at the end of April.
Assessment of applications and presentations
Applications to attend the Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand are assessed by a diverse evaluation panel selected by Royal Society Te Apārangi. The panel will consider the breakthrough factor, impact, innovation, and originality of the idea. The panel will assess applicants in relation to their opportunities. The panel may also consider the gender mix, organisational representation, and fields of research represented by the selected finalists.
Only complete and eligible applications will be considered.
At the Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand event, a Jury with representation from both academia and business will evaluate the presentations. Pitches will be judged on the following criteria:
· Breakthrough factor (50%): How innovative is the proposed idea?
· Relevance/impact (40%): How relevant is the idea to the discipline and beyond?
· Structure/performance (10%): How convincing was the presentation?
A list of Jury Members will be available as soon as the appointment process has been completed.
Timeline
| Activity | Deadline |
| Call for applications closes | 8 April 2026 |
| Finalists announced | 29 April 2026 |
|
Royal Society Te Apārangi to arrange awardees flights to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington |
May/June 2026 |
| Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand event | 23 June 2026 |
| Falling Walls Lab Global Finale – Berlin | 6 November 2026 |
| Falling Walls Conference – Berlin | 6-9 November 2026 |
Contact us
Falling Walls Lab Aotearoa New Zealand
Royal Society Te Apārangi
International.Applications@royalsociety.org.nz
