3M, in partnership with Discovery Education, has named Heman Bekele from Annandale, Virginia, the winner of its 2023 Young Scientist Challenge.

The 16th-annual middle school competition called for middle school students to submit a video demonstrating an innovation that could provide a solution to an everyday problem. A panel of judges then selected 10 finalists who participated in a summer mentorship program with 3M scientists to create a prototype of their invention that solves the problem they identified.

Bekele, a ninth grader at W.T. Woodson High School, developed a compound-based skin cancer treating soap (SCTS). As the winning entry, he will receive US$25,000 and the prestigious title of America’s Top Young Scientist.

To learn more about the Young Scientist Challenge, click here.

About 3M
With global sales of US$33 billion, 3M is a leading producer of thousands of products ranging from chemicals, filtration systems, and safety and protection equipment to office, graphics, and healthcare equipment. For more information, visit www.3m.com.