3M launches science challenge across Southeast Asia

3M today launched a national case challenge in science that aims to give undergraduate students across Southeast Asia the chance to showcase their most innovative ideas across three themes including technology, sustainability, and innovation.

The global science company’s 3M Inspire Challenge will see students face-off against their local peers first, to be judged live on August 24, 2021. The winners of this inaugural science competition will be crowned the title of “Country Champion”, awarded a cash prize of $1,000, and internships at local 3M offices.

Once the Country Champion has been won the 3M Inspire Challenge will then proceed to the second stage, known as the Regional-Level Finals, to compete against all the Country Champions. The winning team will be crowned “Regional Champion” and walk away with a USD2,000 cash prize.

One exciting aspect of the 3M Inspire Challenge includes giving participants access to 3M mentors from diverse backgrounds who will sharpen their ideas in preparation for the Country-Level Semi-Finals and Regional-Level Finals.

In a speech, Kevin McGuigan, Managing Director of 3M Southeast Asia Region and Country Leader, shared that “at 3M, science is at the heart of everything we do…we strive to solve today’s challenges by delivering innovative solutions that help improve lives around the world” and that “the 3M Inspire Challenge is therefore here to inspire great ideas in technology, sustainability, and innovation, and support the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators.”

Registration now open

Interested participants can now register their groups at The 3M Inspire Challenge website (http://go.3m.com/3minspirechallenge). Groups should consist of two to four students, and at least one male and one female member. 

Participants are invited to submit ideas for the three challenge themes: Technology, Sustainability, and Innovation.

Full details of the case themes will be unveiled when submissions open from May 22 to June 21, 2021.

Championing the next generation of talent

The 3M Inspire Challenge is the latest addition to 3M’s diverse ecosystem of community engagements to make a positive impact in the fields of science and education, and champion a diverse talent pipeline. It is 3M’s first standalone challenge targeting undergraduates in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

3M also partners with various organizations such as the Department of Science and Technology and Mano Amiga Academy to provide high quality STEM educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.  

Timeline of challenge

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