Raji Doshi, who lives in Farmington, Connecticut, and attends Stanford Online High School, has won the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, earning the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and a $25,000 cash prize. The announcement was made by 3M and Discovery Education on October 14, 2026.
The eighth grader emerged as the winner after competing against nine other finalists at the final stages of the national middle school science competition, held at 3M’s global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 12 and 13.
Doshi developed a system that combines macroalgae cultivation with natural aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, to help address ocean acidification. Her project explores how the combination could increase the alkalinity of seawater, remove carbon dioxide and help protect marine ecosystems.
How Raji Doshi’s algae-and-aragonite project tackles ocean acidification
Titled Engineering a Novel Durable Algae-Aragonite Alkalinity System to Reduce CO2-Driven Ocean Acidification, Doshi’s project investigates whether algae and natural calcium carbonate buffers can form a durable, low-cost solution to coastal acidification.
According to 3M, Doshi used carbonate chemistry analysis to demonstrate how aragonite could increase algae biomass, remove carbon dioxide and substantially lower dissolved carbon dioxide levels.
She also developed a Michaelis-Menten computational model to identify an optimal aragonite dose, with the aim of making the approach more practical for coastal communities.
The Connecticut student received $25,000 for developing ALKACORE, a system that combines algae and natural aragonite to address rising carbon dioxide levels in seawater. (Photo: 3M)
Her project, called ALKACORE, was inspired by her interest in collecting seashells and her concern about the effects of ocean acidification on shells and the marine creatures that depend on them.
“Raji's project reminds us that when you're passionate about something, you can use that interest to change the world,” said Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist at 3M who mentored Doshi during the competition.
Isabelle added that Doshi was distressed to learn that ocean acidification was beginning to damage seashells and the creatures living inside them. That concern, she said, led the young scientist to develop her project.
What 3M said about Raji Doshi’s achievement
Congratulating Doshi, 3M Chairman and CEO William Brown highlighted the potential of young people to use science to address real-world challenges.
“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights the incredible potential of young people to tackle real-world challenges through science,” Brown said. He added that this year's finalists displayed exceptional talent and creativity.
The competition pairs each finalist with a 3M scientist, who provides one-on-one mentorship over the summer to help transform an initial idea into a working prototype. Doshi worked with Isabelle as she developed her project.
Discovery Education CEO Brian Shaw also praised the finalists for their dedication and imagination, noting that the partnership with 3M has spent 19 years connecting students with working scientists and helping them develop their ideas into prototypes.
Who were the runners-up in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge?
The 2026 competition also recognised two runners-up, who each received a $1,000 prize.
Aaisha Asif: A seventh grader from Pine View, Sarasota County Schools, in Sarasota, Florida.
Sharvi Mahajan: A ninth grader at Westview High School in the Poway Unified School District in San Diego, California.
The other finalists were Ahmed Abdelsalam of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Aiden Jo of Houston, Texas; Roy Kim of Beaverton, Oregon; Arika Kundu of Shorewood, Minnesota; Millie Pradawong of Fairfax, Virginia; Naboshree Santra of Oviedo, Florida; and Abigail Stein of Nashville, Tennessee.
The finalists, aged 11 to 14, were assessed on creativity, scientific knowledge, communication, ingenuity, application of STEM principles and the quality of their research.
About the 3M Young Scientist Challenge
Now in its 19th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge encourages middle school students to identify everyday problems and develop science-based solutions. Participants submit short videos presenting their ideas, with selected finalists receiving mentorship from 3M scientists as they refine their projects.
The competition is part of a broader partnership between 3M and Discovery Education to encourage hands-on scientific learning. Its associated Young Scientist Lab programme offers free digital resources for students, teachers and families to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
According to the organisers, past winners and finalists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, establish nonprofits and appear on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.