3M and Discovery Education announce 37 State Award Winners and four Honorable Mentions for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge
The nation’s premier middle school science competition recognizes innovative student solutions across robotics, security and climate technologygy
ST. PAUL, Minn. & CHARLOTTE, NC (Wednesday, July 1, 2026) – 3M and Discovery Education today announced the 37 Provincial Award Winners of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge and four honorary recipients. As a national middle school science competition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge features the best innovations from young scientists who demonstrate the power of science to improve the world.
To enter the contest, students in grades five through eight can submit a short video explaining their original idea to solve an everyday problem using science. Videos are tested for intelligence, science knowledge and communication skills. This year’s entries featured solutions in a variety of fields, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, security, AR/VR and weather technology.
“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights how students use science and creativity to solve real-world problems,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “At 3M, we are focused on supporting these young innovators as they develop their ideas and implement them in ways that can deliver measurable impact.”
Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes a grand prize winner, 10 finalists, four Honorable Mentions and 51 State Level finalists – from all 50 states and Washington, DC 37 State Merit Winners and 4 Honorable Mention recipients in this year’s Challenge are selected based on their passion for science and outstanding communication skills, and innovative communication skills. Each Provincial Winner receives special recognition on the challenge website, as well as a prize pack.
The 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit winners are listed below in alphabetical order by state:
- [Alaska] Sage Riley Brothers, Homeschooled, N/A
- [Arizona] Akshay Lakshminarasimhan, BASIS Scottsdale, BASIS Charter Schools Inc.
- [California] Kyle Xu, Harker School – Middle School Campus, Campbell Union School District
- [Colorado] Vedanth Raju, Aurora Quest K-8, Aurora Public Schools
- [Connecticut] Cayden Joseph, Engineering and Science University Magnet School, New Haven Public Schools
- [Delaware] Reena Vaishnavi Neetipalli, Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Red Clay Unified School District
- [Florida] Arshiya Ghosh, Starkey Ranch K-8, Pasco County
- [Georgia] Siddhant Mahapatra, Dodgen Middle School, Cobb County School District
- [Hawaii] James Beecroft, Our Savior Lutheran School, Aiea, Hawaii
- [Iowa] Leen Idrees, Southeast Middle School, Iowa City Community School District
- [Illinois] Kyrha Shah, Gordon Gregory Middle School, Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204
- [Indiana] Aarsh Sahu, Creekside Middle School, Carmel Clay Schools
- [Kansas] Vidhi Mishra, California Trail Middle School, Olathe Public Schools
- [Kentucky] Liam Baldwin, Belfry Middle School, Pike County Schools
- [Massachusetts] Sayoni Argawal, Blanchard Middle School, Westford Public Schools
- [Maryland] Krish Janoria, Hallie Wells Middle School, Montgomery County Public Schools
- [Maine] Ryder Tu, Reeds Brook Middle School, Regional School Unit 22
- [Michigan] Adhrit Mishra, Avondale GATE Magnet School, Avondale
- [Minnesota] Agastya Pande, Chippewa Middle School, Mounds View Public Schools
- [Missouri] TingMing Tsai, Ladue Middle School, Ladue School District
- [North Carolina] Prakhar Purohit, The Math and Science Academy of Apex, The Math and Science Academy of Apex (Charter School in Wake County – NCES District ID 3700482)
- [Nebraska] Vihaan Manikya, Millard North Middle School, Millard Public Schools
- [New Hampshire] Sharwin Balagurumoorthy, Homeschooled, N/A
- [New Jersey] Nithya Tammana, Monroe Township Middle School, Monroe Township School District
- [New York] Sofia Allyson Ignacio, Hillside Grade School, New Hyde Park – Garden City City Park Union Free School District
- [Ohio] Harshith Nelabhotla, Strongsville Middle School, Strongsville City School District
- [Oklahoma] Umar Aslam, Casady, Oklahoma County
- [Oregon] Albert Liu, Willamette Valley Academy, Beaverton – Private School[LC1]
- [Pennsylvania] Ahana Paul, Downingtown Middle School, Downingtown Area School District
- [South Carolina] Amita Barik, Sterling School Charles Townes Center, Greenville County School District
- [Tennessee] Anisha Nachnani, University School of Nashville, Davidson County
- [Texas] Timothy Chong, St. Mark’s School of Texas, Dallas – Private School
- [Utah] Rohan Damarla, Challenger School, Lehi – Private School
- [Virginia] Ishanvi Sakharpe, Old Donation School, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
- [Washington] Kapish Arora, Maywood Middle School, Issaquah School District
- [Wisconsin] Aarav Malinowski, Wisconsin Hills Middle School, Elmbrook
- [West Virginia] Preethi Nethi, West Virginia Academy, Monongalia
Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge also recognizes entrants selected for an Honorable Mention award. These people are selected for their unique and innovative ideas and effective communication skills. The four 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge Honorable Mention recipients are as follows in alphabetical order of last name:
- Darsh GoelMountain House, Calif., Peter Hansen Elementary, Lammersville Unified School District
- Kishan KumarSammamish, Wash., Basis Independent Bellevue, Bellevue
- Ayan Roychowdhury, Menlo Park, Calif., Sacred Heart Schools, San Mateo
- Ashwin Sundaresan, San Diego, Calif., Oak Valley Middle School, Poway Unified School District
“When students see how science connects to the world around them, they stop memorizing and start believing they can make a difference,” said Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education. “The 3M Young Scientist Challenge gives young people real-world value that encourages deep learning in STEM and the persistence to see a vision through it. Congratulations to every student honored this year. The world is a better place for the creativity and determination you brought.”
Winners of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge
Now in its 19th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and use the power of STEM to find real-world solutions. America’s Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded non-profit organizations, appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and exhibited at the White House Science Fair. 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.
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 access to standards-aligned, hands-on science experiences designed to spark curiosity and build STEM skills. Students, teachers and families of all ability levels can transform and create 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 competitors, 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.
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3M
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Ali Koper
Adoption Education
akoper@discoveryed.com
