The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual online science-video competition organized by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation. Entrants explain a concept or theory in physics, life sciences, or mathematics through an original English-language video of no more than two minutes.
The competition tests how clearly and creatively a young person can communicate a difficult scientific idea. The 2026 application period runs from May 11 through September 15.
Benefits & funding
- Entry is free; no purchase or payment is required.
- One winner receives a $250,000 scholarship for approved undergraduate education expenses at an accredited institution.
- The winner selects an inspiring science or mathematics teacher to receive $50,000.
- The winner’s eligible school may receive up to $100,000 for a science-lab renovation or addition.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be at least 13 by May 11, 2026 at 12:01 AM PDT and must not yet be 19 on October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT.
- Entrants may be students at any education level, including college or university, provided they meet the age limits.
- The competition welcomes entrants worldwide, except people residing in places subject to comprehensive U.S. economic sanctions or otherwise barred from transactions under U.S. law.
- Minors need permission from a parent or legal guardian. Previous winners are ineligible.
- Entries are individual, limited to one per person, and must be the entrant’s own work. The video and application must be in English.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Age requirement
13–18 yrs
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Application process
- 1Register for an account and complete the required profile.
- 2Choose a challenging concept or theory in physics, life sciences, or mathematics.
- 3Create an original public YouTube video no longer than two minutes.
- 4Complete the application questions, provide age-verification identification and required contact or release information, and submit the video link by the deadline.
- 5Review and score at least five other eligible submissions by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT.
Program timeline
Applications open.
May 11, 2026
Application and video deadline.
September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT
Peer-to-peer review.
September 17–30, 2026
Administrative review.
October 1–3, 2026
Evaluation Panel review.
October 4–25, 2026
Finalist verification.
October 26–November 18, 2026
Popular Vote.
November 24–December 9, 2026
Finalists, Popular Vote Top Scorer, and Regional Champions announced.
December 10, 2026
Date to be determined
Winner announced.