ST. PAUL, Minn. — Raji Doshi, a 13-year-old student from Farmington, Connecticut, has been named America’s Top Young Scientist after developing an innovative system that uses algae and natural minerals to combat ocean acidification.
Doshi, an eighth grader attending Stanford Online High School, won the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, receiving a $25,000 cash prize and the competition’s top honor.
Her invention, called ALKACORE, combines macroalgae cultivation with aragonite, a naturally occurring form of calcium carbonate, to increase seawater alkalinity and reduce dissolved carbon dioxide, which contributes to ocean acidification.
The project aims to develop a durable, affordable solution to protect coastal marine ecosystems threatened by rising carbon dioxide levels.
Doshi competed against nine other finalists during the competition’s final events, held October 12-13 at 3M’s global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Her research demonstrated that aragonite could support increased algae biomass, reduce dissolved carbon dioxide and improve seawater chemistry. She also developed a computational model to determine optimal aragonite concentrations for potential practical applications.
“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights the incredible potential of young people to tackle real-world challenges through science,” said 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,” Brown added.
The competition pairs each finalist with a 3M scientist who provides mentorship throughout the summer to help transform scientific ideas into working prototypes.
Doshi worked with Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist at 3M, who said the student’s interest in marine life inspired her invention.
“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,” Isabelle said.
Two other students received runner-up honors and $1,000 prizes: Aaisha Asif, a seventh grader from Sarasota, Florida, and Sharvi Mahajan, a ninth grader from San Diego, California.
Among the other finalists was Ahmed Abdelsalam, a seventh grader at Darby Vassall Upper School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Additional finalists represented Texas, Oregon, Minnesota, Virginia, Florida and Tennessee.
Now in its 19th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, organized in partnership with Discovery Education, encourages middle school students to develop solutions to real-world problems using science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“When students have the support to follow their curiosity, their ideas can grow into real-world innovation,” said Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education.
The competition’s alumni include students who have filed patents, launched nonprofit organizations and earned recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
The program also maintains an alumni network of more than 100 former winners, finalists and mentors to support continued scientific collaboration and innovation.
