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Falling Walls Venture / Science Start-Ups

Recognition, main-stage pitch and investor exposure; no dependable direct cash purse is published. · Falling Walls Foundation

Falling Walls Venture is a pitch competition for science-driven startups. Nominated companies pitch at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin; one is named 'Science Breakthrough of the Year — Science Start-Ups', with high-profile recognition and investor/network exposure. Current lifecycle: upcoming. Real economics: Recognition, main-stage pitch and investor exposure; no dependable direct cash purse is published..

Tier 3prizenon-dilutivesciencedeep-tech

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Key facts

FunderFalling Walls Foundation
AmountRecognition, main-stage pitch and investor exposure; no dependable direct cash purse is published.
Decision timeNominations earlier in the year; pitches and winner at November summit
EligibilityScience- and deep-tech-based startups, nominated by partner institutions/investors.
RestrictionsThe reviewed official source pages do not state a complete current reporting obligation. The reviewed official source pages do not state complete current use-of-funds restrictions.
Statusupcoming

Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.

Application process

  1. Nomination by eligible institution or investor
  2. Advisory-board review
  3. Select approximately 25 ventures
  4. Three-minute Berlin pitches
  5. Jury selects Science Breakthrough winner

Background

Falling Walls Foundation operates Falling Walls Venture / Science Start-Ups. This pass separates direct cash, repayable finance, credits, incentives and umbrella programs so later ranking does not compare unlike instruments. About 25 science startups are selected to pitch in Berlin. One venture receives the Science Breakthrough of the Year title. The winner presents on the main summit stage.

How the application really works

Nomination by eligible institution or investor → Advisory-board review → Select approximately 25 ventures → Three-minute Berlin pitches → Jury selects Science Breakthrough winner

Tips

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Track record

The reviewed official corpus does not publish a comparable applicant denominator and selection rate.

Frequently asked questions

Is this actionable now?
upcoming. The next nominations and applications will open in February 2027.
What is the real economic value?
Recognition, main-stage pitch and investor exposure; no dependable direct cash purse is published.
Who is eligible?
Science- and deep-tech-based startups, nominated by partner institutions/investors.
How does selection work?
Nomination by eligible institution or investor; Advisory-board review; Select approximately 25 ventures; Three-minute Berlin pitches; Jury selects Science Breakthrough winner. Nominations earlier in the year; pitches and winner at November summit
What burden and restrictions apply?
The reviewed official source pages do not state a complete current reporting obligation. The reviewed official source pages do not state complete current use-of-funds restrictions.
What evidence exists?
About 25 science startups are selected to pitch in Berlin. One venture receives the Science Breakthrough of the Year title. The winner presents on the main summit stage. The reviewed official corpus does not publish a comparable applicant denominator and selection rate.

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Sources