3M and Discovery Education have announced the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge 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 competition’s culminating event—where America’s Top Young Scientist will be named—takes place October 14-15, 2024, at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge nurtures student curiosity and showcases the scientific acumen of all participants. We cannot wait to see these ideas come to life in the coming months!” said Amy Nakamoto, executive vice president of Social Impact at Discovery Education.

The Finalists

This year’s finalists – 10 students ranging in age from 13-15 – identified an everyday problem in their community or the world and submitted a one- to two-minute video communicating the science behind their proposed solution. In 2024, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge offered innovative ways for students to engage in science through new entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR and climate technology.

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

The top 10 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists include students from public and private schools across the US. Each finalist will be evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Each challenge will be scored independently by a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000, a unique destination trip, and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.

The top 10 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are:

Ankan Das, Sanford, FL, Sanford Middle School; Steven Goodman, Longwood, FL;
Aakash Manaswi, Orlando, FL; Prince Nallamothula, Frisco, TX; Ronita Shukla, Acton, MA; Sirish Subash, Lawrenceville, GA; Rithvik Suren, Windsor, CT; Hanna Suzuki, Bedford, MA; William Tan, Scarsdale, NY; and Minula Weerasekera, Beaverton, OR.

In its 17th 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 gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and exhibit 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 have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. In addition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network includes more than 100 former challenge finalists and winners for networking and grant opportunities.

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 award-winning K-12 learning platform.