3M Young Scientist Challenge Names 10 Finalists for 2026 National Competition
Students aged 11 to 14 are introduced to innovative robotics, security and climate solutions; take a chance on “America’s Top Young Scientist”
ST. PAUL, Minn. & CHARLOTTE, NC (Monday, July 6, 2026) – 3M and Discovery Education today announced the 10 finalists for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a national middle school science competition. It is now its 19thth Annually, the annual challenge invites fifth through eighth grade students to think creatively and use the power of STEM to develop real-world solutions.
Each of the 10 finalists receives a special training session with a 3M scientist and at the final event in October, they have a chance to win a grand prize of $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” They will work with their 3M scientific advisors throughout the summer to gain knowledge that will improve the development of their solution.
The 10 finalists for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge are as follows (in alphabetical order by last name):
- Ahmed Abdelsalam, Cambridge, Mass., Darby Vassall Upper School, Cambridge Public Schools
- Aisha Asif, Sarasota, Fla., Pine View, Sarasota County Schools
- Raji Doshi, Farmington, Conn., Talcott Mountain Academy, Private School
- Aiden JoHouston, Texas, The Village School, Houston Independent School District
- Roy KimBeaverton, Ore., Whitford Middle School, Beaverton School District
- Arika KunduShorewood, Minn., Minnetonka Middle School East, Minnetonka Public Schools
- Sharvi MahajanSan Diego, Calif., Bernardo Heights Middle School, Poway Unified School District
- Millie PradawongFairfax, Va., Thoreau Middle School, Fairfax County
- Naboshree SantraOviedo, Fla., Jackson Heights Middle School, Seminole County Public Schools
- Abigail SteinNashville, Tenn., Harding Academy, Nashville Independent Schools
“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge combines student curiosity, scientific thinking and 3M training to turn promising ideas into real solutions,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “3M is focused on helping these young innovators solidify their ideas and apply science in ways that can make a meaningful impact.”
This year’s 10 finalists, ages 11 to 14, each identified an everyday problem, created a new solution, and pitched their project with a one- to two-minute entry video. Their proposals align with two of 3M’s 49 technology platforms, including Climate Tech and Safety. An esteemed panel of judges, including 3M scientists and academic leaders from across the country, evaluated the entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge and communication success.
“The winners of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge this year prove it he can be a scientist at any age,” said Brian Shaw, chief executive officer at Discovery Education: “Each outstanding student pursued his curiosity tenaciously, turning an idea into something new. We can’t wait to see where their ideas take them.”
Next steps in the competition
Each of the 10 finalists will participate in a special summer training program with a 3M scientist. These advisors will provide guidance and advice to help develop a successful individual solution. Then, on October 12-13, all 10 finalists will meet at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to go head-to-head in the final collegiate competition.
In this final event, each finalist will take part in a series of live challenges before presenting their final project and answering questions from a panel of judges. At the end of the competition, one finalist will be selected as the grand prize winner, receiving $25,000 and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.
Previous competition winners and alumni achievements
Previous challenge winners and 3M scientists have created solutions to a variety of real-world problems, including cybersecurity, coral reef health, water conservation, food security, energy use, air pollution and transportation efficiency. America’s Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents and founded nonprofit organizations. In addition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was established in the fall of 2022 and includes more than 100 former challengers, winners and mentors, who participate in networking opportunities and more. Past awards include:
- Gitanjali Rao is TIME’s first ever Kid of the Year for 2020
- Liam McCarty has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2022
- Heman Bekele is TIME’s 2024 Child of the Year
Learning resources for all teachers and students
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is partnered with Young Scientist Lab, a free digital resource program from 3M and Discovery Education that gives every student, regardless of background, access to standards-based, hands-on science experiences designed to spark curiosity and build STEM skills. Students, teachers and families of all skill levels can explore, change and shape the world around them. Young Scientist Lab resources are also available through the Discovery Education Experience, an essential companion for PreK-12 classrooms.
To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2026 winners, visit YoungScientistLab.com.
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About Adoption Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader with innovative solutions that empower educators and improve student learning. Discovery Education solutions have served more than 100 million students worldwide, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of US K-12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, content aligned to the highest standards, and AI-powered teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and work-related learning, including instructionally aligned content developed in one-on-one collaboration with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance to every subject. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
Contacts
3M
3Mnews@mmm.com
Ali Koper
Adoption Education
akoper@discoveryed.com
