3M and Discovery Education Recognize 32 State Merit Winners and 4 Honorable Mentions in 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge

ST. PAUL, MN AND CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESS Newswire / June 24, 2025 / 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge(#YoungScientist) 32 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients. As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge features outstanding innovations from young scientists that demonstrate the power of science to improve the world.

To enter the competition, students in grades 5-8 submit a brief video explaining their original idea to solve an everyday problem using science, which are evaluated for their creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. This year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge offered students a set of new entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.

"The projects submitted to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge underscore science's critical role in driving progress," said Torie Clarke, 3M's executive vice president and chief public affairs officer. "We applaud these students for making the world a better place through their innovative spirit. I'm proud 3M is inspiring students to use science and technology to address global challenges."

Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the grand prize winner, 10 finalists, four honorable mentions, and up to 51 state merit winners - nationwide and in Washington D.C. The 32 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients for this year's competition were selected based on their passion for science and innovation, and superb communication skills. Each state merit winner receives special recognition on the challenge website, along with a prize pack.

The 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winners are listed below in alphabetical order by state:

• [Alabama] Brahma Mubarak Budhwani, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Alabama School of Fine Arts

• [Arizona] Akshay Lakshminarasimhan, BASIS Scottsdale, BASIS Charter Schools Inc.

• [California] Kashvi Sethi, Morrill Middle School, Berryessa Union School District

• [Colorado] Shriya Madhavan, STEM School Highlands Ranch, Douglas County School District

• [Connecticut] Aaron Shamshtein, King Philip Middle School, West Hartford School District

• [Delaware] Aarav Garimalla, Cantwell Bridge Middle School, Appoquinimick School District

• [Florida] Hannah Lee, Jackson Heights Middle School, Seminole County School District