3M Young Scientist Challenge announces 2025 national finalists

Rhea-AI Summary

3M (NYSE:MMM) and Discovery Education have announced the top 10 finalists for the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation's premier middle school science competition. Students aged 11-14 submitted innovative solutions across categories including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.

Finalists will receive exclusive mentorship from 3M scientists and compete at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, from October 13-14, 2025. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000, a destination trip, and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." The previous year's winner, Sirish Subash, created PestiSCAND, a device that detects pesticide residues on produce using spectrophotometry and machine learning.

ST. PAUL, Minn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) top 10 finalists. As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge 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." 

 The top 10 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows (in alphabetical order by last name): 

• Shrey Arora, Collierville, TN, West Collierville Middle School, Collierville Schools
• Divyam Desai, Frisco, TX, Hunt Middle School, Frisco Independent School District (FISD)
• Kiyara Gunawardena, Temecula, CA, Abby Reinke Elementary School, Temecula Valley Unified School District
• Isha Marla, Portland, OR, Tumwater Middle School, Beaverton School District
• Reanna Patel, Princeton, NJ, Princeton Day School, Private School
• Sheyna Patel, Longwood, FL, Orlando Science Middle/High Charter, Orange County Public Schools
• Anirudh Rao, Lone Tree, CO, STEM School Highlands Ranch, Douglas County School District
• Aniket Sarkar, Sarasota, FL, Pine View School, Sarasota County Schools
• Amaira Srivastava, Gilbert, AZ, Arizona College Prep Middle School, Chandler Unified School District
• Kevin Tang, Hacienda Heights, CA, Cedarlane Academy, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District 

"For 18 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has empowered middle school students to bring science to life," said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. "This year, the nation's brightest young minds have once again reimagined what's possible. Congratulations to each of the top 10 finalists! I can't wait to see how you make the world a better place." 

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2025 finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com. 

Challenge details 

This year's finalists – 10 students ranging in age from 11 to 14 – identified an everyday problem and submitted a one- to two-minute video on their proposed scientific solution. Their proposals fall under an expanded set of entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology. 

An esteemed group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. 

Next steps 

Each of the 10 finalists will participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program with a 3M scientist. These mentors will provide guidance and advice to help advance their finalist's solution. Then, from Oct. 13-14, each finalist will travel to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the final interactive competition. 

At 3M, each finalist will participate in a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation, and be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will be announced, and they will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America's Top Young Scientist. 

Previous winners 

Previous challenge finalists and 3M scientists have collaborated to create solutions for a wide 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. 

Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover real-world solutions. Former America's Top Young Scientists have given TED Talks, filed patents, founded nonprofits, made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibited at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's Kid of the Year; featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider; and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. In addition, a 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network was formed in fall 2022 and includes more than 100 former challenge winners, finalists, and mentors, who take part in networking opportunities and more. 

"The 3M Young Scientist Challenge exemplifies the power of nurturing student curiosity by preparing students for the future, today. We are delighted to celebrate these young scientists for their commitment to innovation and creativity," said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. 

The award-winning competition supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program Young Scientist Lab, which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged K-12 classrooms. 

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news-center. 

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, Pre-K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3m-young-scientist-challenge-announces-2025-national-finalists-302490082.html

SOURCE 3M Company

FAQ

Who are the finalists in the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

The 10 finalists include students from across the US: Shrey Arora, Divyam Desai, Kiyara Gunawardena, Isha Marla, Reanna Patel, Sheyna Patel, Anirudh Rao, Aniket Sarkar, Amaira Srivastava, and Kevin Tang.

What is the grand prize for the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

The winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize, a unique destination trip, and the title of 'America's Top Young Scientist.'

When and where will the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge finals take place?

The final competition will be held on October 13-14, 2025 at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

What was the winning innovation from the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

The 2024 winner, Sirish Subash, created PestiSCAND, a handheld device that uses spectrophotometry and machine learning to detect pesticide residues on produce.

How are the 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists selected?

Finalists are selected based on their one to two-minute video submissions proposing scientific solutions to everyday problems. Entries are evaluated by judges including 3M scientists and education leaders based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness.