Deadline: September 15, 2026
Applications are open for the Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2026. The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual global competition for students to inspire creative thinking about science. Students ages 13 to 18 from countries across the globe are invited to create and submit original videos (2:00 minutes in length maximum) that bring to life a concept or theory in the life sciences, physics or mathematics.
The submissions are judged on the student’s ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in engaging, illuminating, and imaginative ways. The Challenge is organized by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, co-founded by Julia and Yuri Milner as part of their Giving Pledge to support science and the communication of scientific ideas.
Prizes
- $250,000: Post-secondary scholarship
- $50,000: Prize for your teacher
- $100,000: Breakthrough Science Lab
Eligibility
You can take part in this year’s Challenge as long as you’re:
- 13 or older by 12:01 AM PDT (West Coast USA) on May 11, 2026
- Not older than 18 (not yet 19) as of 11:59 PM PDT (West Coast USA) on October 1, 2026
They welcome submissions in English from anyone of those ages, including homeschooled students, students with disabilities, and students from all over the world.
Application
To apply, fill in the forms, answer a short questionnaire about yourself, your school and your chosen Challenge topic, and submit your completed video.
For more information, see FAQ and visit Breakthrough Junior Challenge.
