Five Indian-American middle school students have earned spots among the 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, one of the United States’ most respected science competitions for students in grades five through eight. Their selection highlights a growing trend of young innovators using science and technology to develop practical solutions for pressing global issues.
This year’s finalists were recognized for projects spanning multiple fields, including environmental sustainability, healthcare, transportation safety, climate resilience, food safety, and marine science. Notably, Indian-American students account for half of the competition’s finalists, underscoring their strong presence in STEM education and scientific innovation.
Among the selected students, Sharvi Mahajan developed NeuroDrive Alert, an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based machine learning system designed to detect driver fatigue in real time. The technology aims to improve road safety by identifying signs of drowsiness before accidents occur.
Raji Doshi secured a finalist position for creating a durable algae-aragonite alkalinity system intended to reduce ocean acidification caused by rising carbon dioxide levels. Naboshree Santra was recognized for designing environmentally friendly materials that could help address the growing impact of drought and water scarcity.
Arika Kundu earned recognition for LIGNEX, a biosorption-based solution that uses agricultural waste to remove pesticide residues from fresh fruits and vegetables, offering a sustainable approach to improving food safety. Meanwhile, Aaisha Asif impressed judges with Muscle Power of Mussels, a project exploring the unique capabilities of mussels and their potential applications in marine science and environmental research.
The remaining finalists represent communities across the United States and have developed innovative projects in a variety of scientific disciplines. Together, the students will participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program, where each finalist will work closely with a 3M scientist to further refine and strengthen their inventions before the final competition.
The championship event will take place on October 12 and 13 at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. During the competition, finalists will complete live science challenges and present their projects before a panel of expert judges.
The overall winner will receive the title of America’s Top Young Scientist along with a $25,000 grand prize. Over the years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has become a launchpad for promising young inventors whose ideas address real-world problems. This year’s impressive showing by Indian-American students reflects their growing influence in STEM and demonstrates how young researchers are contributing innovative solutions to some of today’s most important global challenges.
