Competition Alert! Have You Entered the Falling Walls Lab?

Image courtesy of kimberbatch.tumblr.com

If you haven't already heard about the Falling Walls competition, you'll want to keep reading. (And even if you have heard about it, you'll still want to keep reading.)

Despite it's name, the Falling Walls competition has nothing to do with poor construction or renovation and has everything to do with innovative change and development.

Falling Walls was first launched in Germany as a conference and competition to locate and celebrate "breakthroughs in science and society." Participants are invited to hear lectures by some of the world's leading (and fore-thinking) academics BUT, they are also encouraged to pitch their own creative ideas that could help to better our every day lives. The pitches are usually shared in a Dragons' Den format (which means that yes, participants will be judged, it will happen live, and you can watch it).

This year the U of A has been invited to join in the event. We're only one of two North American universities, and one of only 20 locations world-wide selected to show off our talented thinkers. So, that means that we need to do just that - show off! The winner of the U of A portion of the competition will be flown to Germany to compete in the finals. 

The competition (also known as the Falling Walls Lab) is open to individuals 35 and under and the only requirement is that you have an amazing idea that could positively impact the world around you. Your idea can be at the thought stage or it can be in the process of implementation (either via research, a project, an entrepreneurial activity, etc.). All you need is a compelling argument for why your idea could break down some metaphorical walls, you'll be able to enter.

To enter, check out the U of A's Falling Walls Lab website and fill out the short online form. Again, make sure that you have an idea and feel confident in your abilities to present it in an energetic and engaging way (remember, the competition will be like our own version of Dragons' Den), then you should be good to go. 

The application deadline is August 25, so if you haven't done so already, fill out your application.

I for one am looking forward to hearing your ideas in September.... Wow us UAlberta! Wow us!