13-Year-Old Raji Doshi Named America's Top Young Scientist for Inventing an Algae-Aragonite Alkalinity System to Reduce CO2-Driven Ocean Acidification
Key Highlights
- ➤Raji Doshi wins 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge with algae-aragonite ocean-acidification solution
- ➤Doshi receives $25,000 and title of America’s Top Young Scientist
- ➤ALKACORE pairs macroalgae cultivation with calcium carbonate buffers to reduce coastal acidification
- ➤Doshi’s model identifies an optimal aragonite dose for practical coastal climate solutions
- ➤3M and Discovery Education continue their 19-year Young Scientist Challenge partnership
Expert Statements
William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M
“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights the incredible potential of young people to tackle real-world challenges through science”
William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M
“The talent and creativity displayed by this year’s finalists was exceptional, and we congratulate Raji on earning the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.”
Deborah Isabelle, Product engineering specialist at 3M
“Raji’s project reminds us that when you’re passionate about something, you can use that interest to change the world,”
Deborah Isabelle, Product engineering specialist at 3M
“She loves collecting seashells and was distressed that ocean acidification is starting to damage the seashells and the creatures that live inside them. It was that passion that led her to create ALKACORE to address the ocean acidification issue.”
Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education
“When students have the support to follow their curiosity, their ideas can grow into real-world innovation,”
Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education
“For 19 years, our partnership with 3M has paired students with working scientists who coach them from ideation to working prototype. We applaud Raji and every Young Scientist for the dedication and imagination they bring to this challenge, and we’re grateful to 3M for helping us make hands-on scientific inquiry a thrill to watch.”
ST. PAUL, MN AND CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESS Newswire / October 14, 2026 / 3M and Discovery Education today named 8th grader Raji Doshi as the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation's premier middle school science competition. Raji lives in Farmington, Connecticut, and attends Stanford Online School. She distinguished herself by engineering a natural algae-and-aragonite system, an inventive solution to address ocean acidification by increasing alkalinity and removing carbon dioxide from seawater. As the grand prize winner, Raji received a $25,000 cash prize and the prestigious title of "America's Top Young Scientist."
Raji spent the summer competing against nine other finalists and ultimately secured the win during final Challenge events at 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Oct. 12 and 13, 2026. The 2026 finalists, ages 11 to 14, each identified an everyday problem, developed an innovative solution, and pitched their project through a one- to two-minute entry video. Their proposals aligned to 3M technology platforms including climate tech and safety, and finalists were evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge, communication effectiveness, ingenuity, application of STEM principles, and demonstration of research.
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