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 revealed the top 10 finalists for the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge. These students, aged 11 to 14, were selected for identifying everyday challenges and proposing innovative scientific solutions. Their inventive projects span areas such as robotics, home improvement, automotive technology, public safety, augmented and virtual reality, and climate tech.

Recognized as the nation’s leading science competition for middle schoolers, the annual challenge invites students in grades 5 through 8 to compete for a unique mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the prestigious title of "America’s Top Young Scientist."

Submissions were evaluated by a distinguished panel—including 3M scientists and educators from across the U.S.—who assessed the entries based on creativity, scientific understanding, and communication skills.

“For nearly two decades, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has encouraged young learners to bring science to life in exciting and meaningful ways,” said Torie Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Affairs Officer at 3M. “This year’s finalists have again raised the bar for what’s possible. Congratulations to all 10—we look forward to seeing how you shape a better world.”

Meet the 2025 Finalists (listed alphabetically by last name):

Each finalist will take part in a summer mentorship with a 3M scientist, receiving expert guidance to further develop their proposed solutions. In October, they will travel to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they will compete in the final round of the challenge on October 13–14. There, the students will present their completed projects and engage in a variety of STEM-based challenges judged by an independent panel.

Over the years, past finalists and 3M scientists have partnered to create groundbreaking solutions tackling issues such as cybersecurity, marine ecosystem health, water sustainability, food waste reduction, clean energy alternatives, energy efficiency, and air pollution.

In 2024, the grand prize was awarded to 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia. His invention, PestiSCAND, is a portable device that detects pesticide residues on produce using a non-invasive method. It employs spectrophotometry—analyzing light reflection across wavelengths—and machine learning to identify harmful chemicals on fruits and vegetables.

Now in its 18th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to fuel curiosity and creativity among middle schoolers, encouraging them to apply STEM knowledge to real-world problems. Alumni of the competition have gone on to deliver TED Talks, secure patents, start nonprofit organizations, be recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, and present at the White House Science Fair. Many have been honored as TIME’s Kid of the Year and featured in major outlets including The New York Times Magazine, Business Insider, and Forbes, as well as on national TV programs like Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Launched in 2022, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network now includes over 100 former finalists, winners, and mentors. This community fosters continued learning and collaboration through exclusive networking events and professional opportunities.

Additionally, 3M has also announced the winners for this year’s Young Scientist Challenge state merit list. Click here to view the results.