Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Breakthrough Prize Foundation
Register by: September 15, 2025
There are two sections in the application. All are required. All videos and applications must be submitted in English.
To create an application, first, register, and then, log in.
Upload photo (photo and ID for age verification)
Contact email for student
Contact email for parent for release forms or
Sign and Submit release forms
Primary Challenge
Choose a concept or theory of mathematics, life sciences, or physics that’s important to understand but challenging to explain. Create a short video (no more than 10 minutes) to teach the concept or theory in an engaging, illuminating, and imaginative way. Consider using creative tools in your video, such as drawings, simulations, or physical demonstrations.
What theory or concept is your video about?
To which primary area of study does your concept or theory belong?
- Mathematics
- Life Sciences
- Physics
Additional Questions
- There are many fascinating concepts and theories to choose from. Why did you pick this one? [250 words maximum]
- Tell us about yourself! Why do you believe that it is important to study mathematics, life sciences, or physics? [250 words maximum]
- What specific area(s) of mathematics, life sciences, or physics would you like to pursue in the future and why? [250 words maximum]
- Tell us about a teacher who inspired your interest in mathematics, life sciences, or physics. What is the teacher’s name? What did that teacher do to develop your passion for learning and discovery? [250 words maximum]
- If you win the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, your school will receive a new, cutting-edge science lab from Cold Spring Harbor. How would this lab benefit your school?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Breakthrough Junior Challenge
1. What is the Breakthrough Junior Challenge?
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an annual global competition for high-school students that encourages creative thinking and communication of complex scientific ideas through engaging short videos.
2. Who is eligible to participate in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge?
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is open to high-school students aged 13 to 18 from around the world. All entries must be submitted in English.
3. What is the deadline to register for the Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2025?
Students must register by September 15, 2025, to participate in this year’s competition.
4. What are the requirements for the video submission?
Participants must submit a video no longer than 10 minutes that creatively explains a challenging concept in mathematics, life sciences, or physics using demonstrations, animations, or simulations.
5. Is there a cost to enter the Breakthrough Junior Challenge?
No, participation is completely free. Students only need to register and submit their video online.
6. What are the prizes for the winners of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge?
The grand prize includes a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship, a $50,000 prize for the teacher, and a $100,000 state-of-the-art science lab for the winner’s school.
7. How do students submit their applications?
Participants must register online, log in, upload a photo and ID, submit the required contact information and release forms, and then complete all application questions.
8. What are the essay questions included in the application?
Applicants must respond to questions about their chosen concept, their passion for science, their future interests, and the teacher who inspired them. Each response is limited to 250 words.
9. Can students choose any scientific topic for their video?
Yes, as long as the concept belongs to mathematics, life sciences, or physics, and is important yet difficult to explain, students can select freely.
10. How would winning the Breakthrough Junior Challenge benefit the participant’s school?
The winner’s school will receive a cutting-edge science lab sponsored by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, greatly enhancing opportunities for hands-on STEM learning.