The 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge honors 32 State Merit Winners and 4 honorable mentions for their creative STEM solutions to everyday problems.
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| Celebrating science-powered creativity, the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge names 32 state winners and 4 honorable mentions for impactful STEM projects. Image: CH |
North Carolina, USA — June 25, 2025:
3M and Discovery Education have announced the 32 State Merit Winners and four Honorable Mention recipients for the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the premier middle school science competition in the United States. The annual competition celebrates students in grades 5 through 8 who use science and innovation to solve real-world problems through original ideas.
This year, students submitted one- to two-minute videos explaining their solutions across new categories including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology. Entries were judged on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills.
“The projects submitted to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge underscore science’s critical role in driving progress,” said Torie Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Affairs Officer at 3M. “We applaud these students for their innovative spirit and their commitment to making the world a better place.”
The 32 state winners represent exceptional entries from across the U.S., including students from Alabama to West Virginia. Each state merit winner receives special recognition on the challenge website along with a prize pack. Four students were also selected for honorable mention recognition due to the unique nature of their projects and strong communication skills.
Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education, added, “The 3M Young Scientist Challenge inspires student curiosity and builds confidence by connecting classroom learning to the real world in tangible and impactful ways.”
Now in its eighteenth year, the challenge has launched the careers of some of America’s top young STEM leaders. Past finalists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, and even appear in national media outlets such as TIME Magazine and Good Morning America. The competition has also created an alumni network of over 100 past winners, finalists, and mentors for ongoing connection and growth.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is part of the broader Young Scientist Lab initiative, which provides free digital STEM resources for students, teachers, and families. These resources are also available via Discovery Education Experience, supporting PreK–12 classrooms globally.
Together, 3M and Discovery Education continue to invest in the next generation of scientists, innovators, and changemakers, believing that science can and should be a force for good in the world.