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13-Year-Old Solves Ocean Acidification
14 Oct
Summary
- Raji Doshi, 13, won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her ocean solution.
- Her project uses algae and aragonite to remove CO2 from seawater.
- Doshi receives a $25,000 grand prize for her innovative work.
Raji Doshi, a 13-year-old eighth grader from Farmington, Connecticut, has been named the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Her winning project addresses ocean acidification through an innovative natural system. Doshi engineered a solution utilizing algae and aragonite to enhance seawater alkalinity and remove carbon dioxide. This achievement earned her the title of "America's Top Young Scientist 2026" and a grand prize of $25,000.
The competition, held on October 13th in St. Paul, Minnesota, featured 10 finalists who participated in a summer mentorship program with 3M scientists. All finalists received a $1,000 cash prize and a contest medal. The challenge, a partnership between 3M and Discovery Education, encourages middle school students to develop science-based solutions to everyday problems across various categories, including climate technology.
Previous winners include Kevin Tang, who in 2025 developed "FallGuard," a fall detection system for older adults. Students interested in future challenges can submit video entries detailing their proposed solutions, judged on creativity, scientific knowledge, and presentation skills.
