The 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, sponsored by 3M and Discovery Education, is now open to entries. The annual middle school science competition invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Competition entries are accepted at YoungScientistLab.com until May 1, 2025.
In addition to a grand prize winner, the competition recognizes 10 finalists, four honorable mentions, and up to 51 state merit winners – nationwide and in Washington D.C. – who have demonstrated a passion for using science to solve everyday problems and improve the world around them.
To enter, students submit a brief video explaining their original idea to solve an everyday problem using science. Students are evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge and communication skills. This year, students will have the opportunity to engage in new entry topics, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR and climate technology.
Previous finalists and 3M scientists have collaborated to create solutions for a variety of real-world problems, including cybersecurity, coral reef health, water conservation, food waste, alternative energy sources, energy consumption, air pollution and transportation efficiency.
The 2024 winner, 14-year-old Sirish Subash from Snellville, Georgia, created Pestiscand, a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce using a non-destructive method. The innovation employs spectrophotometry, which involves measuring how light of various wavelengths is reflected off the surface of fruits and vegetables. A machine learning model then analyzes this data to determine the presence of pesticides.
In June 2025, 10 finalists will be chosen to participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program during which they will work closely with and learn from a 3M scientist. Each finalist then has the opportunity to compete in the final event at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, during an interactive competition comprised of hands-on challenges, presentations, live judging and more. The grand prize winner will be announced during the final event Oct. 13-14, 2025.
The competition, now in its 18th year, is designed to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions.
Learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including entry details, and to find supporting resources.
