3M(US:MMM) Prnewswireยท2025-06-25 13:00Core Points - The 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge has announced its top 10 finalists, inviting middle school students to compete for a mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist" [1][2] - The challenge encourages students to identify everyday problems and propose scientific solutions through video submissions, with categories including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology [3][4] Company Initiatives - 3M has been running the Young Scientist Challenge for 18 years, aiming to empower middle school students and inspire them to apply STEM knowledge to real-world issues [2][9] - The competition is part of the broader 3M and Discovery Education program, Young Scientist Lab, which provides free digital resources for students and educators [11] Competition Structure - Each finalist will undergo a summer mentorship program with a 3M scientist to refine their solutions, culminating in a final competition at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 13-14 [5][6] - The finalists will be evaluated based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness by a panel of judges [4] Previous Achievements - Past winners have made significant contributions, including innovations in cybersecurity, environmental conservation, and energy efficiency, and have gained recognition through various prestigious platforms [7][9] - The alumni network formed in 2022 includes over 100 former winners and finalists, providing networking opportunities and support [9]