Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Scholarship Sponsored by Breakthrough Prize Foundation
Your journey towards the chance to win the prize begins with your application for the Challenge. It's crucial to be aware of each key stage and its corresponding deadline.
Deadline for Application Submission: September 15
Ensure to submit your application and accompanying video by 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time (West Coast USA) on September 15, 2025.
Peer-To-Peer Review: September 17 to 30
As a requirement of your entry, you must evaluate a minimum of 5 other submissions by 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time (West Coast USA) on September 30, 2025, during the Peer-to-Peer Review stage. You may also be requested to evaluate more submissions.
Evaluation Panel Review: October 4 to 25
During this phase, the Evaluation Panel will assess and rate the top 75 submissions based on the criteria outlined in the Rules.
Verification of Finalists: October 26 to November 18
During this time, Challenge staff will examine and validate the submissions (up to 30) chosen by the Evaluation Panel.
Popular Vote Challenge: November 24 to December 9
The Popular Vote allows you to cast your vote for your favorite video. The outcome of the Popular Vote will determine the Popular Vote Top Scorer and 7 Regional Champions.
Announcement of Popular Vote Top Scorer & Posting of Finalists & Regional Champions: December 10
The Finalists, Popular Vote Top Scorer, and Regional Champions will be revealed on this date.
Challenge: You've mastered a significant scientific theory, concept, or principle. Now, can you share your understanding?
A creative video can effectively convey complex material that would otherwise require pages of text. To participate in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, create a concise video (maximum of 2 minutes) explaining a big idea in one of the following fields:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences
Your video can take any form: animation, talking head, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, etc. Remember, video is a dynamic visual medium, so using diagrams, simulations, physical demonstrations, etc., is more effective than simply talking in front of a blackboard.
The videos will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Engagement
- Illumination
- Creativity
- Difficulty
If you need inspiration, you can view some of the top-rated entries from last year here and below. However, to demonstrate 'creativity', your video should be as unique as possible.
Go to Scholarship Application