After a spectacular run in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, Indian-origin kids are gearing up for America’s top young scientist title. The 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists have been announced, and the top 10 finalists include 5 Indian American students. In the past 16 years, the America’s Top Young Scientist title has gone to Indian immigrant kids 7 times for unique problem-solving ideas and scientific innovations.
2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge: Five Indian-origin finalists
- Arika Kundu, 7th grader from Minnesota
- Naboshree Santra, 6th grader from Florida
- Raji Doshi, 7th grader from Connecticut
- Sharvi Mahajan, 8th grader from California
- Aaisha Asif, 6th grader from Florida
Sharvi Mahajan and NeuroDrive Alert Invention
Among the finalists for America’s Top Young Scientist title 2026, Sharvi Mahajan from California has created NeuroDrive Alert. This is an EGG-based machine learning alert system for real-time fatigue prediction. Sharvi’s NeuroDrive Alert is an advance system that tracks fatigue over time to predict microsleep and enhance safety in driving and other high-risk activities.
Intrigued by the depth of neuroscience, she aspires to be a computational neuroscientist and found a tech startup that would build AI-based neuroscience models. Her favorite invention is Electroencephalogram (EEG) machine that measures brainwave activity through a system of electrodes placed on the scalp.
Arika Kundu and her LIGNEX invention
Arika Kundu, the Minnesota State Merit award winner, got entry to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge finals for her innovative model – LIGNEX. It is a biosorption based method that uses agricultural waste like peanut shells to remove pesticides from fresh produce. It would not only make food safer but more accessible. Her favorite scientific breakthrough of the past 100 years is the Human Genome Project.
Arika Kundu aspires to be an astrobiologist and make it big in computational biology. One of her goals is to reduce radiation exposure in space and make space exploration safer for long-term advancements. She believes the lesser the space radiation, the better it is for agriculture and cancer treatment.
Raji Doshi and her coastal solution for marine health
12-year-old Raji Doshi is among the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists for her durable algae-aragonite alkalinity system to reduce ocean acidification and improve marine health. Atmospheric carbon is changing chemistry of the oceans at an alarming rate that affects millions of people’s health and livelihood directly or indirectly. She found it too hard to ignore, and thus, engineered a unique coastal solution to not just enter the 3M Challenge but fight climate change.
Raji Doshi from Connecticut aspires to be a NASA aerospace engineer and develop space-based monitoring systems for ocean health. Her favorite invention for the humankind is the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Scientists use AUV drones to collect real-time data on oceans’ carbon absorption, chemistry, and marine health.
Naboshree Santra and her solution for drought-affected regions
11-year-old Naboshree Santra is the youngest of 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists in 2026. A resident of Florida, Naboshree “developed biodegradable soilshade balls that reduce evaporation and help soil retain more moisture, offering a simple solution for agriculture in drought-affected regions,” according to Youngscientistlab.com. She believes “if nature can grow it, we can engineer it.” She is an aspiring researcher who wishes to make sustainable products from natural materials for a healthier planet.
Aaisha Asif and her eco-friendly adhesive
Among the finalists for America’s Top Young Scientist title 2026, Aaisha Asif developed a mussel-inspired, eco-friendly adhesive from natural proteins and iron-based crosslinkers that creates strong bonds while reducing pollution. Her product is the best environment-friendly alternative to conventional adhesives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contribute to air pollution, and cause health problems. She aspires to be an environmental scientist.
America’s top young scientist title and $25K prize
Discovery Education’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a national STEM competition that provides a stage for America’s middle school students, 5 to 8 grades, to demonstrate their ideas and solutions to tackle real-world issues. The ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ title winner earns a $25K grand prize while other finalists get $1000 each along with an opportunity to participate in an exclusive summer mentorship program with a 3M scientist.
