Almost all of this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge national finalists are Indian-American, making a striking mark in one of the United States’ most prestigious STEM competitions for middle school students.
With innovative projects ranging from biodegradable plastics to clean energy solutions, these remarkable teenagers are not only redefining the possibilities of science at a young age but also challenging global issues with creativity and conscience.
Fourteen-year-old Amaira Srivastava from Arizona is among the top 10 national finalists whose project, FlavoPeel Cups, is drawing attention for its simple yet powerful impact. Combining fruit peels with a mix of vinegar, glycerine, cornstarch, and water, Amaira has created biodegradable drinkware that not only decomposes faster than petroleum-based plastic but also infuses water with natural flavonoids from citrus. Her invention addresses three global issues at once—plastic pollution, food waste, and malnutrition.
Working with her 3M mentor, Dr Rohit Gupta, a Product Development Specialist in the Automotive and Aerospace Division, Amaira is now focused on refining her prototype to make it scalable and household-ready. She says her ultimate goal is to become a global scientist and purpose-driven entrepreneur who develops environmentally friendly and inclusive solutions to major world challenges such as climate change and hunger.
Another finalist, Aniket Dey, has developed a low-cost atmospheric moisture-capturing system designed to help farmers in drought-prone regions like the American Midwest and West. His invention extracts water from dry air to support crop growth in arid environments, potentially transforming farming in regions increasingly affected by climate change.
Aniket entered the competition to find a platform to showcase his prototype and connect with experts who could help advance his work. He hopes to one day become an environmental engineer collaborating with like-minded peers to develop sustainable solutions to society’s most pressing problems.
Anirudh Kandalam, also a returning finalist, is working on a moisture-powered nanogenerator built with four-layer graphene oxide and a fibreglass substrate. His innovation offers clean, affordable electricity for sensors used in healthcare and environmental monitoring—particularly in communities with unreliable power. He entered the challenge to find guidance from a dedicated 3M mentor and accelerate his project beyond its current stage.
Anirudh has already reached over 5,000 students globally through his educational workshops connecting science, climate change, and history. He hopes to someday reshape K–12 education by integrating environmental science more deeply into classrooms around the world.
Divyam Chhajer, another finalist, has invented a smart irrigation system that monitors soil moisture near building foundations and automatically delivers water only where it’s needed. His project aims to prevent structural tilting in regions with clay-rich soils, such as Texas, where foundation damage is a costly problem for homeowners.
Inspired by issues affecting his own family, Divyam hopes to raise awareness among construction companies and infrastructure developers. Divyam dreams of becoming a mathematician, drawn to the subject for its structure, creativity, and endless possibilities.
Isha Kaushik has developed AlginaFAB, a sustainable alternative to conventional textiles made from alginate, a substance derived from seaweed. Her biofabric mimics the flexibility and strength of traditional fibres while decomposing quickly in the environment, presenting a greener future for the fashion industry.
Isha balances her scientific interests with a passion for music, finding connections between rhythm and the scientific method. Isha envisions herself becoming a cardiovascular surgeon who contributes to both medicine and innovation.
Reanna Paramasivam created a device that captures electricity from ambient heat using thermoelectric principles, offering a clean, low-cost energy solution for off-grid communities. Inspired by her passion for ideas and invention, Reanna sees the 3M Young Scientist Challenge as a unique space that empowers young innovators to think freely and develop breakthrough technologies. In the future, Reanna hopes to become an engineer and entrepreneur developing new products that address critical social and environmental issues.
Sheyna Patel has tackled the growing problem of microplastic pollution with her project— a non-toxic hydrogel capable of removing over 93 percent of PET microplastics from water. Her work offers a powerful new tool for protecting aquatic ecosystems from the harmful effects of plastic waste. Motivated by a love of STEM and environmental science, Sheyna entered the challenge to share her vision and gain experience in solving real-world problems. In 15 years, Sheyna hopes to be in a leadership role driving innovation that benefits both industry and the environment.
Shrey Arora impressed the judges with FreshMate, a smart kitchen device that tracks food expiration dates and helps families reduce waste, save money, and make more sustainable choices. Built to be practical and affordable, FreshMate reflects Shrey’s passion for technology-driven problem solving. He credits 3D printing as his favourite invention of the last century for enabling creativity and hands-on innovation. Shrey aspires to pursue a career in STEM, working on real-world projects that make a meaningful difference.
Each finalist is now preparing for the final round of judging in October, working closely with their mentors to refine and present their inventions to a panel of experts. They bring diverse backgrounds, interests, and ambitions, but share one thing in common: a passion for using science to make life better.
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