Entry Topics
Change for Good
Many of the greatest innovations of our time were first designed to solve simple problems for which we didn’t even know we needed solutions.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge encourages young people to solve everyday problems using science and innovation–and we can’t wait to see what you dream up!
About the ChallengeEntry Topic Areas
Robotics
Robotics can revolutionize the way we live our everyday lives. These machines, built and programmed to perform tasks without human interference, have made it possible to perform tasks with incredible speed and accuracy. How do you think the power of robotics could impact your community?
What kind of innovation would...
- Harness the power of robotics for positive change in our everyday lives?
- Increase productivity using robotics?
- Utilize robotics to improve businesses?
- Use robotics to improve people’s experiences at schools, homes, offices, or factories?
- Use robotics to improve safety measures?
For inspiration, take a look at these 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni:
Home Improvement
Science can help us make our homes more energy efficient as well as safer and more comfortable for ourselves and our families. Think of some of the positive changes that could be made to homes through scientific innovation.
What kind of innovation would...
- Reduce damage to homes during natural disasters?
- Improve plumbing in homes?
- Make air filtration in homes more energy efficient?
- Advance security systems in homes?
- Improve electrical systems in homes?
- Make homes safer for young children?
- More quickly and more efficiently make repairs in homes?
For inspiration, take a look at these 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni:
Automotive
Cars are essential to many of our lives, as they allow us to move from place to place when public transportation is not an option. Scientists are finding new ways to make the automotive industry more efficient and sustainable while improving car manufacturing and design.
What kind of innovation would...
- Make cars more energy efficient?
- Improve the capacity of electric vehicles?
- Improve safety in cars?
- Help prevent car accidents?
- Advance car repairs?
- Help prevent car theft?
- Make car assembly and manufacturing more efficient?
For inspiration, take a look at these 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni:
Safety
Whether you’re on the sports field or crossing the street, safety should always come first. Through science, we can improve safety measures in our everyday lives and help make the things we do and consume safer and cleaner for everyone.
What kind of innovation would...
- Improve the quality of food?
- Prevent young children from accidental injuries?
- Reduce the risk of injury on construction sites?
- Advance the tools used to heal from a sports injury?
- Prevent identity theft?
- Make buildings or transportation methods more durable or reliable?
- Improve safety in your community?
- Improve safety in schools?
For inspiration, take a look at these 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni:
AR/VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are important technologies, because they have the power to change how we live, work, and interact with one another. How can these revolutionary technologies be used for positive change?
What kind of innovation would...
- Use AR/VR to increase efficiency and productivity?
- Help businesses using AR/VR?
- Utilize AR/VR to improve experiences in schools and support education?
- Harness AR/VR to improve safety measures in our everyday lives?
For inspiration, take a look at these 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni:
Climate Tech
Our planet holds precious resources, and it is our responsibility to properly manage them so future generations can enjoy the same quality of life that we do. As we look to tomorrow, many scientists are harnessing science-based innovations that have the potential to tackle climate-related challenges.
What kind of innovation would...
- Combat rising temperatures around the globe?
- Make drinking water cleaner for people across the world?
- Reduce your carbon footprint?
- Improve air quality?
- Create new ways to use recycled materials?
- Clean up our oceans and forests for wildlife?
- Build more products with less material?
- Make it easier for people to recycle?
- Lower the cost of sustainable technology?
