Houston student Aiden Jo, 14, and his origami-inspired answer reached a national science final

Aiden Jo, a 14-year-old student at The Village School in Houston, created 'Squeeze-gami', an origami-inspired collapsible container that flattens to reduce waste volume.

He is one of ten national finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, selected on 6 July 2026.

Finalists receive summer mentorship with a 3M scientist; the finals take place on 12-13 October at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The winner will receive $25,000 and the title 'America's Top Young Scientist'.