Falling Walls Lab Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2026: Bold Ideas, Global Impact
Organized by the DAAD Regional Office Jakarta in collaboration with Universitas Islam Indonesia and EURAXESS, the event is part of the global Falling Walls Lab network that connects young talents across disciplines and countries, fostering dialogue between science, innovation, and society through a unique and dynamic pitch format. In the Falling Walls Labs, scientists and researchers present their innovative ideas in three minutes on three slides. A jury consisting of prominent scientists representing various disciplines rate the presentations. The winner is going to represent Indonesia at the global finale of the Falling Walls competition in Berlin in November.
The host institution Universitas Islam Indonesia played a key role in creating an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere throughout the event. The gathering further emphasized Yogyakarta’s ongoing development as a center for academic exchange, creative exploration and innovation-driven collaboration, where ideas from a variety of backgrounds converge to flourish.
The DAAD Regional Office Jakarta continues to bring Falling Walls Lab to Indonesia as part of its long-standing commitment to strengthening international academic cooperation and supporting the development of future global thinkers.
This year’s competition featured participants from various cities across Indonesia as well as international representation from India, covering diverse academic backgrounds in science, engineering, technology, social innovation, and interdisciplinary research. The Falling Walls Lab Indonesia 2026 attracted a record-high 137 applications. 21 were selected for presenting a concise three-minute pitch that challenged conventional thinking and highlighted innovative approaches to real-world problems in the final at Universitas Islam Indonesia.
After an intense and inspiring round of presentations, the winners of Falling Walls Lab Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2026 were announced. The 1st Place was awarded to Azra Firmansyah from Svaika for the innovation “Breaking the Wall of Musical Exclusion” earning the opportunity to represent Indonesia at the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale in Berlin.
The 2nd Place was awarded to Mario Donald Bani from Universitas Bio Scientia Internasional Indonesia (i3L University) for “Breaking the Wall of Toxic Weeding”
Followed by the 3rd Place awarded to Nudia Aufia from Periboemi Initiative for “Breaking the Wall of Post-Mining Restoration” in recognition of their outstanding ideas, clarity of thought, and impactful innovation.
Congratulations to all winners, finalists, jury members, and everyone who contributed to the success of Falling Walls Lab Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2026.
The event concluded with a strong sense of momentum and shared purpose, highlighting how cross-border collaboration and academic exchange continue to shape solutions for a more connected and innovative future.
