Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Scholarship Sponsored by Breakthrough Prize Foundation

Description **What the Challenge is** The Breakthrough Junior Challenge invites students to explain an important scientific idea clearly and creatively through a short video. Entrants choose a concept from physics, mathematics, or life sciences and produce an original, engaging two-minute (maximum) film that communicates the idea visually and accessibly. Submissions can use any cinematic form—animation, demonstrations, documentary, dramatic reconstruction—but should emphasize visual explanation over long spoken lectures. Key takeaways - Submit an original video explaining a major idea in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. - Video format is open (animation, live action, etc.), but visuals are strongly encouraged. - Maximum video length: 2:00 minutes. Eligibility **Who may enter** The Challenge is open to individuals aged 13–18, with precise age cutoffs defined in PDT (West Coast, USA) time zones. Entrants must be 13 or older by 12:01 AM PDT on May 11, 2026, and must not have turned 19 by 11:59 PM PDT on October 1, 2026. Submissions in English are accepted worldwide, including homeschooled students and students with disabilities; entrants should consult the official Rules for additional details. Key takeaways - Age window: 13–18 (strict PDT cutoffs on May 11 and October 1, 2026). - English-language submissions only. - Open to global entrants, including homeschooled and disabled students. Submission requirements **What to produce** Create a single, original video no longer than two minutes that explains one chosen theory, concept, or principle in physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Use clear visuals—diagrams, animations, simulations, or physical demonstrations—to enhance understanding; creativity and originality are encouraged. Upload your finished video to YouTube and include the YouTube link in your application materials. Key takeaways - One original video, max 2:00 minutes. - Topic must come from physics, mathematics, or life sciences. - Upload to YouTube and provide the link in your application. Judging criteria **How videos are evaluated** Submissions are scored on Engagement, Illumination, Creativity, and Difficulty. Judges look for videos that captivate viewers, make the subject clear, display original presentation techniques, and tackle intellectually substantive material. High-scoring entries balance strong explanatory content with inventive visual storytelling. Key takeaways - Four judging dimensions: Engagement, Illumination, Creativity, Difficulty. - Successful entries are clear, original, and intellectually substantial. - Use visuals to improve clarity and engagement. Application process & timeline **How and when to apply** Begin by signing up online and completing the application forms when submissions open on May 11, 2026. The application requires a short questionnaire about you and your school, your chosen topic, and the YouTube link to your completed video. Track the competition’s official deadlines and milestones carefully; all date/time references use PDT (West Coast, USA). Key takeaways - Sign up online; applications open May 11, 2026. - Application includes a short questionnaire and the YouTube video link. - Follow official PDT deadlines and milestones closely. Sharing and peer review **Promotion and community scoring** After submission, entrants are asked to join the Breakthrough social channels and share their video on their own platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok). Participants also take part in a Peer-to-Peer review: you will watch and score five other contestants’ submissions as part of the process. Sharing increases visibility, but originality remains key for judges. Key takeaways - Join Breakthrough’s social channels and share your video publicly. - Participate in Peer-to-Peer review by scoring five other entries. - Social sharing helps visibility but does not replace originality.