By Geeta Goindi
July 30, 2026 – Indian-American students continue to make their mark in science and innovation, with five girls of Indian descent earning places among the ten national finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, one of America’s premier middle school STEM competitions.
The Indian-American finalists are Aaisha Asif, Raji Doshi, Arika Kundu, Sharvi Mahajan, and Naboshree Santra, all selected for their innovative projects addressing real-world challenges ranging from environmental sustainability and agriculture to food systems, public health and transportation safety.
The ten finalists, ages 11 to 14, will compete October 12-13 at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they will face a series of live scientific challenges, present their projects to a panel of judges, and vie for the $25,000 grand prize and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.
Anika Chebrolu crowned America’s Top Young Scientist for discovering potential Covid-19 cure
Selected from students across the country, the finalists were recognized for their scientific creativity, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and commitment to developing practical solutions that can benefit their communities and the world. Each student identified an everyday problem, developed an original solution, and presented the idea through a short video submission. Their projects align with two of 3M’s technology platforms: climate technology and safety.
Aaisha Asif, 12, of Sarasota, Florida, a sixth-grade student at Pine View School, developed an eco-friendly adhesive inspired by the natural proteins mussels use to cling to wet surfaces. Her innovation aims to reduce the use of conventional glues that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contributing to air pollution and health concerns.
“By studying natural adhesion systems and experimenting with different bio-based materials and crosslinking agents, I aim to create a safer, more sustainable alternative that still performs effectively across different surfaces,” Aaisha said.
Raji Doshi, 12, of Farmington, Connecticut, a seventh-grade student at Talcott Mountain Academy, designed an innovative coastal solution using algae and natural calcium buffers to reduce ocean acidity and improve marine health.
“Climate change feels urgent to me in a way that is hard to ignore,” Raji said. “I wanted to work on something that mattered, not just something that would earn a grade.” She added that the challenge appealed to her because it rewards students who not only develop strong scientific ideas but also communicate their real-world impact effectively.
Indian-American teen Rishab Jain crowned America’s Top Young Scientist
Arika Kundu, 13, of Shorewood, Minnesota, a seventh-grade student at Minnetonka Middle School East, created LIGNEX, an innovative method that uses agricultural waste, including peanut shells, to remove pesticide residue from produce, making food safer through an accessible, science-based solution.
A recipient of last year’s Minnesota State Merit Award, Arika said she entered the competition “to improve my innovation and turn it into a product that everyone can benefit from.”
Sharvi Mahajan, 14, of San Diego, California, an eighth-grade student at Bernardo Heights Middle School, developed NeuroDrive Alert, an advanced system that monitors fatigue over time to predict microsleep and improve safety for drivers and people working in other high-risk environments.
Sharvi hopes to become either a computational neuroscientist or the founder of a technology startup. “I have always been mesmerized by the brain and the mysteries hidden within it,” she said, adding that her passion for neuroscience and artificial intelligence inspired her project.
Naboshree Santra, 11, of Oviedo, Florida, a sixth-grade student at Jackson Heights Middle School, developed biodegradable soil-shade balls that help reduce evaporation and retain soil moisture, offering a simple, environmentally friendly solution for drought-affected agriculture.
“I entered the 3M Young Scientist Challenge because I want to better understand how my biodegradable mulch could be developed into something more useful for the real world,” she said.
Indian-American Teen Maanasa Mendu is America’s Top Young Scientist
The remaining finalists are Ahmed Abdelsalam, Aiden Jo, Roy Kim, Millie Pradawong, and Abigail Stein. Overall, this year’s finalist class includes seven girls and three boys. Each finalist will participate in a summer mentorship program, working one-on-one with a 3M scientist to refine their innovations before the national finals.
Discovery Education is partnering with 3M to co-sponsor the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Together, the organizations operate the Young Scientist Lab program which includes the annual competition, state merit recognition, and STEM learning resources for students.
“The finalists of this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge prove you can be a scientist at any age,” said Brian Shaw, chief executive officer of Discovery Education. “Each remarkable student pursued their curiosity with persistence, turning an idea into an innovation. We cannot wait to see where their ideas take them.”
Now in its 19th year, the Young Scientist Challenge has inspired thousands of young innovators to explore STEM, think creatively, and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge brings together student curiosity, scientific thinking and 3M mentorship to turn promising ideas into real solutions,” said William Brown, chairman and chief executive officer of 3M. He added the company is focused on helping these young innovators strengthen their ideas and apply science in ways that can make a meaningful impact.
