13-Year-Old Raji Doshi Named America's Top Young Scientist for Inventing Natural System To Reduce CO2-Driven Ocean Acidification
Key Highlights
- ➤Raji Doshi won 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge and received $25,000
- ➤Doshi engineered algae-and-aragonite system targeting CO2-driven ocean acidification
- ➤Project tested macroalgae and calcium carbonate buffers for durable coastal acidification reduction
- ➤3M pairs every finalist with a scientist mentor to develop prototypes
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.”
Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education
“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.”
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 19, 2026 / Originally published on 3M News Center
3M and Discovery Education 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 High 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."
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