About the competition
The international pitching competition Falling Walls Lab Riga, Latvia will take place on June 30, 2026, at 2.00 PM at the House of Science of the University of Latvia (Jelgavas iela 3, Riga). The competition brings together students, young researchers and innovators from all fields who present their innovative ideas in a concise and convincing three-minute pitch – ideas with the potential to change society, science, and the world as a whole.
Falling Walls Lab is a global initiative that takes place annually in more than 70 cities worldwide. In Latvia, the competition is organized by the DAAD Information Center Riga in cooperation with the University of Latvia and the Latvian Association of Young Scientists.
Evaluation criteria
The winner will be selected by a jury from academia, industry and the public sector, based on three criteria:
- Breakthrough & Innovation (50%)
- Relevance & Impact (40%)
- Structure & Performance (10%)
Winner
The winner of the Falling Walls Lab Riga, Latvia qualifies for the global finale on November 6, 2026, in Berlin and takes part in the Falling Walls Science Summit 2026, joining an international network of researchers and innovators. Finalists also participate in an extended program in Berlin, which includes professional skills development, networking opportunities and visits to leading research institutions.
Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the DAAD Information Center in Riga.
Applications
Participation in the competition is free. You can apply for the pitching competition by May 31, 2026, here.
Which wall will your research break? If you are ready to share your idea with a global audience, apply now!
If you have any questions, please contact info.riga@daad.de.
