Submissions open for 3M's nationwide middle school science competition

Rhea-AI Summary

3M (NYSE:MMM) and Discovery Education opened submissions for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge on Jan. 21, 2026. Middle school students in grades 5-8 may submit a short video explaining an original science-based solution to an everyday problem at YoungScientistLab.com through April 30, 2026.

Prizes and structure: up to 51 state merit winners, 10 finalists, four honorable mentions, one-on-one mentorship with a 3M scientist, and a $25,000 grand prize plus the title "America's Top Young Scientist". Finalist mentorship occurs summer 2026 and the final event is Oct. 12-14, 2026 in St. Paul, Minn.

Key Figures

Grand prize: $25,000 Eligible grades: Grades 5–8 Finalists: 10 students +5 more

8 metrics

Grand prize $25,000 Top award in 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge

Eligible grades Grades 5–8 Student eligibility range for competition entries

Finalists 10 students Number of finalists receiving 3M scientist mentorship

Honorable mentions 4 students Additional recognitions beyond the 10 finalists

State merit winners Up to 51 State-level merit winners including Washington, D.C.

Entry deadline April 30, 2026 Final date for video submissions at YoungScientistLab.com

Final event dates Oct 12–14, 2026 Competition finals at 3M Innovation Center, St. Paul, Minn.

Program tenure 19th year Number of years the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has run

Market Reality Check

Price: $156.12 Vol: Volume 11,776,966 is 3.85...

high vol

$156.12 Last Close

Volume Volume 11,776,966 is 3.85x the 20-day average of 3,061,640, indicating unusually heavy trading ahead of this benign competition news. high

Technical Price $156.12 is trading above the 200-day MA of $154.43, yet sits 10.63% below the 52-week high and 27.99% above the 52-week low.

Peers on Argus

MMM fell 6.96% while key peers like HON, OTTR, VMI, and BBU showed only modest d...

MMM fell 6.96% while key peers like HON, OTTR, VMI, and BBU showed only modest declines (-0.44% to -1.12%), and SEB gained 1.83%, pointing to a largely stock-specific move rather than a broad sector reaction.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 15 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 15	Earnings timing	Neutral	-1.9%	Announcement of Q4 and FY 2025 results release and conference call.
Jan 06	Investor event	Neutral	+1.6%	Scheduling of 3M’s Q4 2025 earnings conference call and webcast details.
Dec 29	AI product launch	Positive	-0.2%	Announcement of Ask 3M AI assistant and expanded Digital Materials Hub.
Dec 22	AI solutions showcase	Positive	-1.2%	Plans to showcase AI-powered innovation tool and solutions at CES 2026.
Dec 02	Brand partnership	Neutral	+0.6%	Scotch Brand holiday campaign with celebrity partner and consumer survey.

Pattern Detected

Recent MMM-specific updates (AI tools, partnership campaigns, investor events) have generally seen modest price moves, with positive-sounding innovation news sometimes followed by flat or negative reactions.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, news around 3M (MMM) has focused on innovation, marketing, and investor communications. In Dec 2025, 3M highlighted AI-driven tools for materials design and CES 2026 showcases, with mixed price reactions. A Dec 2, 2025 Scotch Brand holiday campaign had a small positive move. The Jan 6, 2026 investor event announcement produced a modest gain. Today’s middle school science competition news continues a theme of brand- and innovation-focused communications rather than hard financial updates.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights 3M’s continued investment in STEM education through the 3M Young Scient...

Analysis

This announcement highlights 3M’s continued investment in STEM education through the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, now in its 19th year. The program offers middle school students in grades 5–8 a chance at a $25,000 grand prize, mentorship with 3M scientists, and national recognition. In the broader context of recent AI and innovation updates, it reinforces 3M’s focus on long-term brand building and talent development rather than immediate financial results.

Key Terms

ar/vr, algorithm

2 terms

ar/vr technical

"Categories include robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology."

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are technologies that add digital content to your view of the real world (AR) or place you inside a fully computer-created environment (VR), like wearing smart glasses or stepping into a simulated room. They matter to investors because they create new ways to sell hardware, software, services, and advertising, and can change how people shop, learn, and work—driving potential revenue growth but also requiring heavy investment and adoption to pay off.

algorithm technical

"Kevin created an algorithm that analyzes video input to identify falls"

An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions a computer follows to solve a problem or make a decision, like a recipe that turns inputs into a specific output. Investors care because algorithms power automated trading, risk models, and data analysis that can speed decisions, amplify gains or losses, and affect market prices—so understanding their role helps assess how technology may influence a company's performance or market behavior.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Finalists will receive one-to-one mentorship with a 3M scientist, national recognition, and a chance to win top prize: $25,000 and title of "America's Top Young Scientist"

ST. PAUL, Minn. and Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education today announced that the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) is now open to entries. The annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation's premier middle school science competition.

"Every year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge showcases what's possible when students combine imagination with scientific thinking," said Dr. John Banovetz, chief technology officer, 3M. "We're proud to support a program that helps young learners gain confidence, explore new possibilities, and imagine a brighter future." 

Challenge details

• The 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to use science to solve everyday problems and improve the world around them.
• Students 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 contest will name 10 finalists, four honorable mentions, and up to 51state merit winners nationwide and in Washington, D.C.
• Competition entries are accepted at YoungScientistLab.com until the deadline on April 30, 2026.

How to enter

• To enter, students in grades 5-8 submit a brief video explaining their original idea to solve an everyday problem using science.
• Submissions are evaluated for their communication skills, creativity, and scientific knowledge.
• Categories include robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.

Next steps

• Mentorship: In June 2026, 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.
• Final event: Each finalist will then compete in the final event at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 12-14, 2026. This event will include hands-on challenges, presentations, live judging, and the grand prize winner announcement.

Previous winners

• Previous challenge finalists and 3M scientists have collaborated to create solutions for a wide variety of real-world problems, including food safety, cybersecurity, coral reef health, water conservation, alternative energy sources, energy consumption, air pollution, transportation efficiency, and many more.
• The 2025 winner – 13-year-old Kevin Tang from Hacienda Heights, California – created a novel fall detection device that can accelerate emergency responses to falls among older adults at home, even in the dark. Kevin created an algorithm that analyzes video input to identify falls and triggers alerts to loved ones via a smart phone application. His new solution advances current offerings on the market through the ability to capture imagery at night and provide around-the-clock monitoring. The device can also detect irregular movements while the individual is walking, which could be a symptom of a stroke.

Now in its 19^th 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. 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 first 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 finalists, winners, and mentors who take part in networking opportunities and more.

"All across the United States are powerful young minds with incredible ideas. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge offers middle school students an unparalleled opportunity to turn creative ideas into world-changing solutions," said Catherine Dunlop, senior vice president of corporate partnerships at Discovery Education. "With a blend of innovation, mentorship, hands-on learning, and creation, this challenge offers students a unique opportunity to deepen science skills and make an impact on everyday lives."

To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including entry details, and to find supporting resources, visit YoungScientistLab.com.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, PreK-12 digital solutions help educators engage all students and support academic achievement. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools that are effective, engaging, and easy to use, Discovery Education enables educators to deliver powerful learning experiences in 45% of U.S. K-12 schools and across 100+ countries and territories. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Learn more at www.discoveryeducation.com.

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SOURCE 3M Company

FAQ

Who is eligible to enter the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge (MMM)?

Students in grades 5-8 who are U.S.-based may enter by submitting a short video by April 30, 2026 at YoungScientistLab.com.

What is the top prize for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge (MMM)?

The grand prize is $25,000, one-on-one mentorship with a 3M scientist, and the title "America's Top Young Scientist".

What are the key dates for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge (MMM) in 2026?

Submissions close April 30, 2026; 10 finalists receive mentorship in June 2026; the final event is Oct. 12-14, 2026 in St. Paul, Minn.

How are 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge (MMM) submissions judged?

Entries are evaluated on communication, creativity, and scientific knowledge via a short video explaining an original solution to an everyday problem.

How many winners will the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge (MMM) name?

The program will name up to 51 state merit winners, 10 finalists, and four honorable mentions, plus one grand prize winner.