3M, in collaboration with Discovery Education, has revealed the 37 State Merit Winners and four Honorable Mention recipients for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Now recognized as the leading science competition for middle school students in the United States, the challenge celebrates young innovators whose creative ideas demonstrate how science can address everyday challenges and create positive change.

Students in grades 5 through 8 participate by submitting a short video describing an original scientific solution to a real-world problem. Entries are judged on innovation, scientific understanding, and communication skills. This year's submissions covered a wide range of fields, including robotics, home improvement, automotive technology, safety, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and climate-focused innovations.

William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M, emphasized that the competition showcases the ability of young people to combine scientific knowledge with creativity to solve practical problems. He noted that 3M remains committed to encouraging and supporting these future innovators as they develop ideas capable of making a meaningful impact.

Every year, the competition honors one Grand Prize winner, 10 finalists, four Honorable Mention recipients, and up to 51 State Merit Winners, representing all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. The 2026 State Merit Winners and Honorable Mention recipients were selected based on their enthusiasm for science, originality, problem-solving abilities, and effective presentation skills. State Merit Winners receive recognition on the official challenge website along with a commemorative prize package.

2026 State Merit Winners
The following students were selected as 2026 State Merit Winners, listed alphabetically by state:

2026 Honorable Mention Recipients
In addition to the State Merit Winners, four students earned Honorable Mention recognition for their exceptional creativity and strong communication skills:

Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education, highlighted the importance of helping students connect classroom science with real-life applications. He remarked that the 3M Young Scientist Challenge inspires students to view STEM as a powerful tool for solving meaningful problems and congratulated all participants for their imagination, dedication, and perseverance.

Continuing a Legacy of Innovation
Celebrating its 19th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to encourage middle school students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through innovative thinking and practical problem-solving. Alumni of the competition have gone on to deliver TED Talks, secure patents, establish nonprofit organizations, earn places on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and showcase their work at the White House Science Fair.

To strengthen this growing community, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network, established in 2022, now includes more than 100 former winners, finalists, and mentors, providing opportunities for collaboration, networking, and continued engagement in STEM.

STEM Learning Resources
The competition is supported by the Young Scientist Lab, a free digital learning platform jointly developed by 3M and Discovery Education. The program offers standards-aligned, hands-on science activities designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and STEM skills among students of all ability levels. These resources are also available through Discovery Education Experience, helping educators, students, and families bring engaging science learning into classrooms and homes alike.

Click here to know more.

3M and Discovery Education have announced Kevin Tang, an eighth-grade student from Cedarlane Academy in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Hacienda Heights, California, as the 2025 winner of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge—the nation’s leading science competition for middle school students. Kevin earned this distinction for developing an innovative fall detection system designed to enhance emergency response for older adults, even in low-light conditions. Along with the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” he was awarded a $25,000 grand prize.
 
Over a four-month period, Kevin competed against nine other finalists before emerging as the top winner at the final event held at 3M’s global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 13–14. During the challenge, participants completed a variety of scientific tasks and were judged on criteria such as creativity, application of STEM concepts, communication and presentation skills, research, passion, and their ability to inspire others.
 
Kevin’s invention utilizes smart video analysis and alert technology to detect falls with remarkable precision, even at night. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older, impacting approximately one in four—over 14 million people—each year. Kevin’s device employs an algorithm that processes video footage to identify falls and instantly sends alerts to caregivers or family members through a linked mobile app. The system also monitors irregular walking patterns, potentially identifying early signs of conditions such as stroke. Its nighttime imaging capabilities and continuous monitoring set it apart from existing solutions on the market.
 
“Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge showcases the incredible potential of young innovators,” said Torie Clarke, executive vice president and chief public affairs officer at 3M. “These finalists remind us that great ideas can come from anywhere, and their curiosity and creativity are driving meaningful change. We’re extremely proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what they achieve next.”
 
Every finalist in the competition is mentored by a 3M scientist who helps them refine their ideas and create working prototypes. Kevin worked alongside Dr. Mark Gilbertson, a research specialist in robotics and AI within 3M’s Advanced Materials and Transportation division. “Kevin’s work was inspired by personal experiences, and it’s amazing to see him channel that into something that could genuinely help others,” Dr. Gilbertson said. “His innovation bridges compassion and technology beautifully. I believe his future in robotics and artificial intelligence is incredibly promising.”
 
Second and third place honors in the 2025 competition went to:

 
The other top finalists, listed alphabetically, include:

 
Each runner-up received a $1,000 award and national recognition for their innovative work.
 
Amy Nakamoto, executive vice president of corporate partnerships and marketing at Discovery Education, commented, “We’re honored to continue our collaboration with 3M through this inspiring program. The creativity and drive shown by Kevin and all the finalists give us tremendous optimism for the future.”
 
Now celebrating its 18th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to encourage middle school students to apply science and engineering in new and impactful ways. Alumni of the competition have gone on to deliver TED Talks, secure patents, launch nonprofits, and earn spots on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Some have also been featured by TIME Magazine, The New York Times, and major television programs such as Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show. The 3M Young Scientist Alumni Network, launched in 2022, now includes over 100 past participants who engage in networking and mentorship opportunities.
 
The challenge is part of the larger Young Scientist Lab initiative, a joint program by 3M and Discovery Education that offers free, interactive STEM learning resources for students, families, and teachers. These materials are also available on Discovery Education Experience, supporting classrooms across grades PreK–12.

Click  here to download images from the 2025 science competition.

Click here to know more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and see this year's winners and finalists.