Celebrating Innovation: The 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge Finalists and Their Creative Solutions

3M Young Scientist Challenge 2026: Meet the Finalists

In a remarkable celebration of young innovation, 3M and Discovery Education have unveiled the ten finalists for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the foremost science competition for middle school students in the United States. This competition not only encourages scientific inquiry but also promotes the application of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) concepts to solve pertinent real-world challenges. The initiative is now in its 19th year, welcoming creative thinkers from grades five through eight to devise innovative solutions.

The ten outstanding finalists, all aged between 11 and 14, have demonstrated exceptional creativity by identifying everyday problems and proposing unique solutions. Each finalist will engage in an exclusive mentorship with a scientist from 3M, gaining invaluable insights and hands-on experience to further develop their projects. The finalists are:

1. Ahmed Abdelsalam - Cambridge, Massachusetts, Darby Vassall Upper School
2. Aaisha Asif - Sarasota, Florida, Pine View School
3. Raji Doshi - Farmington, Connecticut, Talcott Mountain Academy
4. Aiden Jo - Houston, Texas, The Village School
5. Roy Kim - Beaverton, Oregon, Whitford Middle School
6. Arika Kundu - Shorewood, Minnesota, Minnetonka Middle School East
7. Sharvi Mahajan - San Diego, California, Bernardo Heights Middle School
8. Millie Pradawong - Fairfax, Virginia, Thoreau Middle School
9. Naboshree Santra - Oviedo, Florida, Jackson Heights Middle School
10. Abigail Stein - Nashville, Tennessee, Harding Academy

The challenge encourages participants to channel their excitement for science into practical solutions. This year's projects focus on vital areas such as climate technology and safety, reflecting 3M's commitment to scientific advancement. Students made their submissions via one or two-minute video pitches, showcasing their innovative ideas.

William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M, expressed his pride in the finalists, stating, “The 3M Young Scientist Challenge brings together student curiosity, scientific thinking, and 3M mentorship to turn promising ideas into real-world solutions.” Brown emphasized the importance of nurturing these young innovators, as they will play a crucial role in tackling future challenges.

As the competition progresses, each finalist will undergo a summer mentorship program working closely with their assigned 3M scientist. This collaboration aims to refine their projects, which will culminate in a live competition taking place at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 12-13, 2026. During this final event, finalists will face a series of live challenges before presenting their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed judges.

Finalists will have the opportunity to win a grand prize of $25,000 and the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” Past winners have gone on to achieve remarkable feats, such as giving TED Talks, securing patents, and launching nonprofit organizations. The competition has proven to be an invaluable platform for young scientists, enabling them to turn their visionary ideas into reality.

Moreover, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge is complemented by the Young Scientist Lab, a free digital resource designed by 3M and Discovery Education. This program provides hands-on science experiences, fostering curiosity and promoting STEM skills among students from all backgrounds. Whether through classroom projects or home-based experiments, Young Scientist Lab resources aim to ignite a passion for science in young minds.

As we anticipate the final competition, the excitement surrounding the 2026 finalists continues to grow. They embody the spirit of perseverance and creativity, proving that you can be a scientist at any age.

To discover more about the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com. Together, let’s celebrate these young innovators who are on the cusp of making a significant impact on the world through science!