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.

Logitech is honored to support students from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography as they attend the 2024 UN Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. These remarkable researchers will present their groundbreaking work addressing the challenges of the ocean and global climate crisis. By fostering collaboration between emerging leaders and current policymakers, we aim to ensure that their voices contribute to shaping the future of climate action.

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) brings together experts, scientists, policymakers, and activists from across the globe. This year’s agenda emphasizes financial support for developing nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate-related disasters.

Scripps delegates will showcase innovative research on carbon, technology, financial strategies, and interdisciplinary approaches to a rapidly evolving ocean environment. Their participation in discussions with international climate negotiators provides an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to ocean science and climate solutions.

By assisting these students in traveling to Baku, we aim to amplify their impactful work. Empowering young voices is essential, as they represent the next generation of climate leaders driving progress toward a sustainable future.

We spoke with Vanessa Minnis, a PhD student at Scripps, about her anticipation for COP29:

1) What excites you most about COP29?
I’m thrilled to participate in COP29 because it offers a platform to engage with global leaders and innovators in climate solutions. My research focuses on utilizing microbes in soils to enhance carbon dioxide sequestration. At the conference, I hope to explore how international policies and grassroots initiatives align with my work and discover opportunities to integrate my research into large-scale carbon reduction strategies. Additionally, I look forward to meaningful conversations with people from around the world about climate action.

2) Why is a conference like this vital to addressing the climate crisis?
Events like this are critical because they bring together countries worldwide to address climate change on a global stage. For students, it provides insight into how climate negotiations influence research and the financial strategies used to tackle this crisis.

3) What do you hope to gain from COP29 personally and professionally?
Personally, I want to better understand the intersection of climate policy, research, and funding, identifying gaps and strategies to bridge them. Professionally, I’m eager to learn about scalable climate solutions and connect with experts and leaders whose perspectives could inspire future collaborations.

4) As a PhD student, what are the biggest challenges in addressing the climate crisis?
A significant challenge is the lack of advanced technology to keep pace with the frequency of data collection needed to evaluate climate mitigation strategies effectively. In soil research, for example, the time and resource-intensive nature of on-site data collection limits the scale and frequency of measurements. Addressing this issue requires accessible funding for cutting-edge technologies and training future scientists. Moreover, fostering stronger connections with policymakers is crucial to translating scientific findings into actionable policies.

5) What advice do you have for students passionate about climate solutions?
Stay informed and remain optimistic despite daunting headlines about climate change. Find your passion within the field—whether it’s renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or ocean science—to guide your efforts. Connect with local organizations, community groups, or school clubs aligned with your interests, and seek opportunities to deepen your knowledge through classes or seminars.

Thank you, Vanessa!

Logitech is proud to support young researchers in having a voice in critical climate discussions. Addressing climate change requires collective action, from individuals to corporations, to safeguard our planet’s future.