#United States #St. Paul #3M Young Scientist #Discovery Education #STEM innovation

2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge Finalists Announced

3M, in partnership with Discovery Education, has unveiled the top 10 finalists for the prestigious 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Celebrating its 18th year, this annual competition is recognized as a cornerstone for middle school science enthusiasts across the United States. The challenge invites students in grades 5 to 8 to participate in showcasing their problem-solving skills through innovative scientific projects.

This year, the competition drew an enthusiastic response from young minds eager to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The selected finalists, whose ages range between 11 and 14, presented unique solutions to everyday issues through captivating one-to-two-minute videos. These solutions, presented under diverse categories such as robotics, climate technology, and safety, reflect the creativity and ingenuity that the challenge aims to nurture.

Meet the 2025 Finalists

The finalists, listed in alphabetical order by last name, are:

• - Shrey Arora, Collierville, TN - West Collierville Middle School
• - Divyam Desai, Frisco, TX - Hunt Middle School
• - Kiyara Gunawardena, Temecula, CA - Abby Reinke Elementary School
• - Isha Marla, Portland, OR - Tumwater Middle School
• - Reanna Patel, Princeton, NJ - Princeton Day School
• - Sheyna Patel, Longwood, FL - Orlando Science Middle/High Charter
• - Anirudh Rao, Lone Tree, CO - STEM School Highlands Ranch
• - Aniket Sarkar, Sarasota, FL - Pine View School
• - Amaira Srivastava, Gilbert, AZ - Arizona College Prep Middle School
• - Kevin Tang, Hacienda Heights, CA - Cedarlane Academy

The Journey Ahead

Each of the finalists will embark on an enriching summer mentorship program with experienced 3M scientists. These mentors will guide the students, helping them refine and implement their innovative ideas, ensuring that their projects are not only feasible but also impactful. The journey culminates in a thrilling final event scheduled for October 13-14, 2025, at the 3M Innovation Center located in St. Paul, Minnesota. During this interactive competition, finalists will further develop and present their innovations, demonstrating their solutions to a panel of judges who will evaluate them based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills.

The highlight of the event will be the announcement of the grand prize winner, who will receive a $25,000 scholarship, a special destination trip, and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” Previous competitions have spotlighted remarkable young achievers who have gone on to accomplish incredible feats in the world of science and innovation.

A Legacy of Innovation

Previous winners of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge have developed compelling solutions addressing pressing global issues, such as food waste, energy consumption, and environmental sustainability. Noteworthy past finalists include 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Georgia, whose innovative project focused on an eco-friendly way of detecting pesticide residues in produce.

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge aims not just to reward scientific excellence but to inspire a generation of young innovators. Over the years, many participants have gone on to deliver TED Talks, file patents, and even appear on renowned platforms like Good Morning America, showcasing their journey from budding scientists to influential figures.

As 3M's Executive Vice President Torie Clarke stated, “The challenge empowers middle school students to bring science to life.” This proactive approach to STEM education reaffirms the value of curiosity and creativity in scientific endeavors, encouraging students to envision a better future.

About 3M and Discovery Education

3M continues to leverage the purposeful application of science to enhance lives and address global challenges. In conjunction with Discovery Education, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge underlines the importance of innovative thinking in tackling everyday problems. Together, they cultivate a culture of learning and exploration, aiming to empower students worldwide with the necessary tools to think critically and solve pressing issues creatively.

For further details and to meet the inspiring finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com. This initiative exemplifies the culmination of hard work, scientific inquiry, and the promise of a bright future powered by young minds. We eagerly await the upcoming months, witnessing the impact of these young scientists as they turn their visions into reality.