Highlights3M and Discovery Education have named 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge has announced the 10 finalists selected to compete in its 2026 national competition, recognizing middle school students whose science-driven ideas aim to solve everyday problems. 3M Young Scientist finalists selected for 2026 competitionEach of the 10 finalists will be paired with a 3M scientist during the summer, receiving one-on-one mentorship designed to help refine and strengthen their inventions. “The 3M Young Scientist Challenge brings together student curiosity, scientific thinking and 3M mentorship to turn promising ideas into real solutions,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. The competition also established the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network in fall 2022.