The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- A 12-year-old sixth-grade student from Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ahmed Abdelsalam, has been named one of 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his project VERDA, a system that harvests energy from everyday movement such as walking.
- The competition is a US national contest for students aged 11 to 14 that rewards science-based solutions to real-world problems.
- Ahmed will receive summer mentorship from a 3M scientist and compete at the finals in St Paul, Minnesota on October 12-13 for a $25,000 prize and the title of America's Top Young Scientist.
- The report also notes he is inspired by Nobel-recognised scientist Ahmed Zewail and hopes to become an inventor or engineer in clean energy.
What to watch next
- Ahmed's summer mentorship with 3M scientist Abhishek Srivastava and how VERDA develops before the finals.
- The final competition in St Paul, Minnesota on October 12-13, where the $25,000 grand prize winner will be chosen.
Coverage1
1 report
English national1
All filed from India
Named United States · 3M · 3M Young Scientist Challenge · Abhishek Srivastava · Ahmed Abdelsalam · Ahmed Zewail · Cambridge · Darby Vassall Upper School · Gitanjali Rao · Heman Bekele · Liam McCarty · Minnesota · St Paul
The 1 report is listed beside the record.
Ask this story
Answers cite the reports above, or say they can't.