Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2026

Overview

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual skill-based science communication competition sponsored by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation. Entrants choose an important but difficult scientific or mathematical idea and explain it clearly, creatively, and accurately in a short video.

The 2026 competition opened on May 11, 2026. Unlike a conventional scholarship application, the main submission is the science-explainer video itself plus the online profile and application. A completed entry is not enough on its own: entrants must also participate in the peer-to-peer review stage to remain eligible for the prize.

Eligibility

• You must be at least 13 years old by May 11, 2026 at 12:01 AM PDT.
• You must still be 18 years old, not yet 19, on October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT.
• Eligible entrants may come from around the world, including home-schooled students and students already enrolled in college or university, provided the age rules are met.
• Participants who are minors need parent or legal-guardian permission.
• Residents of countries or regions subject to comprehensive U.S. economic sanctions, or people with whom U.S. persons cannot legally transact, are excluded under the official rules.
• Previous winners of the competition or similar sponsor competitions are not eligible.
• Only one entry per person is allowed.

Prizes & Benefits

• $250,000 post-secondary scholarship for the winner, usable toward tuition and fees at colleges and universities worldwide.
• $50,000 Teacher Inspiration Prize for the teacher identified by the winner.
• $100,000 Breakthrough Science Lab for the winner's school.

The $250,000 award is not unrestricted cash; the official FAQ states that it is for post-secondary education and related direct costs.

How to Apply

1. Create an account on the official Breakthrough Junior Challenge site.
2. Complete your profile and application questionnaire.
3. Choose a theory, concept, or principle in physics, life sciences, or mathematics.
4. Create an original science explainer video of 2:00 minutes or less.
5. Upload the video to YouTube and make sure it is not private.
6. Submit the application and YouTube link by September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT.
7. During September 17–30, complete the required peer-to-peer review by scoring at least five other submissions.

Application Checklist

• Official identification that can verify age and country if requested.
• Completed online profile and application questionnaire.
• Original two-minute-or-shorter science or mathematics video.
• Public or otherwise viewable YouTube link; private videos may be disqualified.
• Parent or guardian consent if you are a minor.
• Time reserved for the required peer-to-peer review after submission.

What competing summaries often omit: your scientific accuracy and explanation matter, but so does compliance. A video over two minutes, a private video, multiple entries, or failure to finish peer review can eliminate an otherwise strong application.

Important Dates

• May 11, 2026: applications opened.
• September 15, 2026, 11:59 PM PDT: application and video submission deadline.
• September 17–30, 2026: peer-to-peer review period.
• September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM PDT: deadline to score at least five peer submissions.
• October 1–3, 2026: administrative review.
• October 4–25, 2026: evaluation panel review.
• November 24–December 9, 2026: popular vote period.
• December 10, 2026: Popular Vote Top Scorer, finalists and regional champions announced.
• Winner announcement: date to be determined by the sponsor.

FAQs

Can students outside the United States apply?
Yes. The competition is global, subject to the official sanctions-related exclusions in the rules.

Can home-schooled students apply?
Yes. The official entry page explicitly welcomes home-schooled students who meet the age requirements.

Can a university student apply?
Yes, if the applicant still meets the 13–18 age rules.

Is the video allowed to exceed two minutes?
No. The rules state that videos must be two minutes or under according to YouTube's clock.

Is peer review optional?
No. To qualify for the prize, entrants must score at least five other submissions by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT.

Last verified: September 6, 2026. ScholarshipHubNow independently verified the 2026 deadline, age rules, prize amounts, video limit, peer-review requirement, timeline, and global eligibility against the official Breakthrough Junior Challenge entry page, rules, FAQ, judging page, and timeline.