Registration opens for Falling Walls Lab competition

Muscat: The Research and Innovation Authority, in collaboration with the German Falling Walls Foundation, has announced the opening of registration for the Falling Walls Lab competition in the Sultanate of Oman for the current year 2026, starting today until 11 June.

The Falling Walls Lab is a global forum for presenting innovative ideas and research work from various disciplines. It aims to strengthen relationships among researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors, thereby supporting innovation and the exchange of scientific expertise.

The Lab derives its name from the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the role of science and humanities in removing barriers between nations and transferring research from laboratories to society for practical benefit and application. The Lab organizes an annual event that attracts science and innovation enthusiasts from various world countries to learn about diverse experiences and cultures.

Participation is open to innovators and researchers from various disciplines, subject to a number of eligibility criteria, including that no more than 10 years have passed since obtaining a bachelor's degree, no more than 7 years since a master's degree, and no more than 5 years since a doctoral degree. Currently enrolled bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students may also apply. Applications must be submitted in English only.

Those wishing to participate can register via the following website: https://falling-walls.com/falling-walls-lab-nizwa-oman

The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to represent the Sultanate of Oman in the Falling Walls Lab finals, scheduled to be held during 5-9 November 2026 in Berlin, Germany.

The competition requires the submission of a research project, innovative idea, social initiative, or entrepreneurial venture, presented using PowerPoint in no more than 3 minutes, with the aim of persuading the judging panel of the idea's significance and viability. The panel comprises an elite group of experts, academics, researchers, and business leaders.

The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the competition for the 11th consecutive year. In the previous edition, 158 ideas and projects were submitted, of which 20 advanced to the local qualifiers, and 3 winners were selected to represent the Sultanate of Oman in the finals held in Berlin.