Welcome to Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland 2026, a pitching competition for innovative, science-based ideas. Whether you’re a student or an early-career researcher with a breakthrough concept, this is your moment to pitch it in 3 minutes to a prestigious jury. Applications are open to participants from all over Finland, so go ahead and take your shot!
When: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026
Time: 11:30–17:00 (Helsinki time)
Where: Round, A-building, Microkatu 1, Novapolis, Kuopio 70210
Application deadline: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Language: English
Format: In-person
You’re warmly welcome to join the audience, get inspired by the innovative ideas presented, and network with representatives from universities, public organisations, investment funds, and more. Registration is free, but seats are limited.
Oh, and about the prize…
The winner gets a ticket to represent Finland at the global Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin in November 2026.
And yes — we cover all the costs. Pretty great, right? So don’t miss out. Apply now!
“Opportunities like Falling Walls Lab matter. Publishing is important, but it doesn’t give young researchers exposure to this kind of community, motivation, or visibility.”
– Arash Mirhashemi, FWL Eastern Finland 2025 finalist.
You must fulfill at least one of the following formal requirements:
After applications close, Maximum number of 15 applicants will be selected for the June 9th finale.
Feeling nervous about pitching? No worries — we’ve got your back!
Selected participants get access to a pitch training workshop coaching by our partner, Nostetta Ventures:
On June 9th, you’ll take the stage for a 3‑minute pitch, followed by 3 minutes of questions and feedback from a jury representing academia, business, investment, and public organizations.
“Falling Walls Lab is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I would encourage everyone with an idea that could benefit the society to give it a try, you’ll leave inspired, connected, and reminded of why we do science”
– Nithin Sadeesh, FWL Eastern Finland 2025 finalist
Join us for a day full of ideas, inspiration, and connections:
11:30 – 12:00 Registration and coffee
12:00 – 12:20 Welcome notes: Sharing experience of last year’s FWL EF finalists
12:20 – 12:45 Keynote speaker: Samu Lehtonen, CEO of Marginum
From research to Business, success story
12:45 – 13:00 Pitching intro and introducing the jury members
13:00 – 13:30 Pitching batch #1
13:30 – 14:00 Coffee break and networking
14:00 – 14:25 Keynote speaker: Anssi Uimonen, Founding Partner
Nordic Science Investments
14:25 – 15:00 Panel Discussion
15:00 – 15:30 Pitching batch #2
15:30 – 16:00 Networking and demo area visit
16:00 – 16:30 Winner Announcement & Award Ceremony
16:30 – 17:00 Demo area, more networking and sharing experiences
17:00 End of event!
Samu Lehtonen, CEO of Marginum, From research to Business, success story
Anssi Uimonen, Founding Partner, Nordic Science Investments
Falling Walls Lab is a pitching competition and a global platform for breakthrough ideas, where early-career researchers and innovators present their pioneering solutions in a 3-minute pitch competition. In 2025, 82 FWL organizers across 60 countries received over 2,750 applications. The 100 winners of these local competitions traveled to Berlin in November for the Global Finale at the Falling Walls Science Summit, where they were introduced to leading European and German research institutions and presented their groundbreaking ideas in 3-minute pitches on stage to the distinguished and prestigious panel of judges. The event included networking opportunities, career workshops, and research institution visits.
This year, FWL Eastern Finland is coming back to Kuopio for another successful event. The event is mainly funded by the KAUTE säätiö grant and contribution of its main partners (Business Kuopio, UEF, Business Joensuu, Novapolis). Other supporting partners of the event are Nostetta Ventures, Hub Panostamo, Business Center North Savo, and FiBAN (Finnish Business Angels Network). Falling Walls Lab Eastern Finland is organized by Business Kuopio and UEF.
Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just 3 minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that creates a positive impact on science and society.
When: June 9th, 2026
Where: Kuopio, Novapolis, Microkatu 1, Round
Application deadline: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Application link: Apply now!
For audience: Registration
