This week, Chalmers hosted Falling Walls Lab Gothenburg, the local qualifying round of the international Falling Walls pitch competition. Ten researchers and innovators presented their ideas to a jury comprising representatives from academia and industry, as well as an engaged audience.
Caroline Kjærnet Johansen from Chalmers won the competition and will go on to represent the university at the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin this November.
Falling Walls Lab is a global platform that gives researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators the opportunity to present breakthrough ideas under the motto “Breaking the Wall.” Participants have three minutes to demonstrate how their research or innovation can help address societal challenges and create positive change.
This year’s first prize was awarded to Caroline Kjærnet Johansen from Chalmers University of Technology for her presentation *Breaking the Wall of Bioelectric Wound Healing*. The project demonstrates how bioelectric methods can be used to accelerate wound healing. The solution has the potential to reduce both patient suffering and future healthcare costs. The winning entry will represent Chalmers at the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin this November.
The jury’s motivation stated: 'The jury was impressed by the highly innovative solution and the strong convergence of electronics and biotechnology. The pitch demonstrated significant potential to create impact for patients, healthcare, and society at large.'
Second prize was awarded to Rahul Jangali from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) for *Breaking the Wall of Invisible Crop Disease*. The project focuses on the early detection of crop diseases, which could contribute to more sustainable and resource-efficient agriculture.
Third prize went to David Zingmark from Chalmers University of Technology for *Breaking the Wall of Plastic in Railway Infrastructure*. The project explores how plastic materials can be used in new ways within railway infrastructure to improve sustainability and resource efficiency.
Falling Walls Lab is held annually at locations around the world. Winners of the local competitions have the opportunity to advance in the international process and become part of a global network of researchers and innovators working to break down scientific, technological, and societal barriers. Chalmers congratulates all participants and winners for their inspiring presentations and their efforts to develop ideas that can make a real difference for people and society.
More about the research behind the winning entry
The winning entry represents the company Bioelectrix, which was founded on research conducted at Chalmers University of Technology:
How electricity can heal wounds three times as fast
Chronic wounds are a major health problem for diabetic patients and the elderly – in extreme cases they can even lead to amputation. Using electric stimulation, researchers in a project at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Freiburg, Germany, have developed a method that speeds up the healing process, making wounds heal three times faster.
