Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2026

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global competition for students aged 13 to 18 to create and submit original videos that explain a concept or theory in the life sciences, physics, or mathematics. Submissions are judged on the clarity and imagination with which the student communicates scientific ideas. Prizes include a post-secondary scholarship, a prize for a teacher, and a Breakthrough Science Lab.

Prizes include $250,000 for a post-secondary scholarship, $50,000 for a teacher, and $100,000 for a Breakthrough Science Lab.

Participants must be 13 years or older by 12:01 AM PDT on May 11, 2026 and not older than 19 as of October 1, 2026; open to students from all countries.

To apply, fill in the forms, answer a short questionnaire about yourself and your chosen topic, and submit a completed video.