Raji Doshi, 13, has won the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her project aimed at reducing ocean acidification. (Photo: 3M)
What 3M said about Raji Doshi’s achievement
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. Paul, Minnesota, on October 12 and 13. 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. 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. The 2026 competition also recognised two runners-up, who each received a $1,000 prize. The finalists, aged 11 to 14, were assessed on creativity, scientific knowledge, communication, ingenuity, application of STEM principles and the quality of their research. Past winners and finalists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, establish nonprofits and appear on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, according to the organisers.
Doshi used carbonate chemistry analysis to demonstrate how aragonite could increase algae biomass, remove carbon dioxide and substantially lower dissolved carbon dioxide levels, according to 3M. “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. That concern, she said, led the young scientist to develop her project. “The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights the incredible potential of young people to tackle real-world challenges through science,” Brown said.
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. 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. 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. 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. Isabelle added that Doshi was distressed to learn that ocean acidification was beginning to damage seashells and the creatures living inside them. Congratulating Doshi, 3M Chairman and CEO William Brown highlighted the potential of young people to use science to address real-world challenges. 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. 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. 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. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.
