The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual global science-communication competition in which students ages 13-18 submit a short (2-minute-or-under) YouTube video creatively explaining a concept in physics, mathematics, or the life sciences, then must score at least 5 peer submissions as part of a multi-phase judging process. The winning student receives a $250,000 college scholarship, their science teacher receives $50,000, and their school receives a $100,000 science lab. No purchase, payment, group entry, or essay is required. For the 2026 cycle, submissions opened May 11, 2026, and the window remains open until the September 15, 2026 deadline.
Eligibility
Fields of studyPhysics · Mathematics · Life Sciences
DemographicsOfficial Rules confirm this is a genuinely global competition (not U.S.-only) open to individuals ages 13-18 (must be 13 by May 11, 2026 and not yet 19 by Oct 1, 2026), excluding residents of comprehensively U.S.-sanctioned countries/regions and prior winners. Entries are individual only (no team/group submissions). Submission is a video, not a written essay.
Applying
$250,000 college scholarship for the one student winner; $50,000 for their teacher; $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab for their school. No cash tiers below the single grand prize. No entry fee.