Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Scholarship Sponsored by Breakthrough Prize Foundation

Embarking on the journey to vie for the coveted prize involves several crucial milestones, commencing with your application for the Challenge. It is imperative that you meticulously note each milestone and its corresponding deadline.

Application Submission Deadline: September 15

Ensure that your application and accompanying video are submitted no later than September 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time (West Coast USA).

Peer-To-Peer Review: September 17 to 30

As a requisite of your entry, you are obligated to score a minimum of 5 other submissions by September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time (West Coast USA), during the Peer-to-Peer Review phase. You may also be requested to score additional submissions.

Evaluation Panel Review: October 4 to 25

During this phase, the Evaluation Panel will assess and score the top 75 submissions based on the criteria outlined in the Rules.

Verification of Finalists: October 26 to November 18

During this period, Challenge staff will review and verify the submissions (up to 30) selected by the Evaluation Panel.

Popular Vote Challenge: November 24 to December 9

The Popular Vote provides an opportunity for 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 Announcement: December 10

The Finalists, Popular Vote, and Regional Champions will be announced on this day.

Now, let's talk about the Challenge itself. You've mastered a significant scientific theory, concept, or principle. The question is, can you effectively communicate your understanding?

An innovative video can convey complex material that would otherwise require pages of text. To participate in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, create a concise video (maximum of two minutes) to explain a big idea in one of the following fields:

• Physics
• Mathematics
• Life Sciences

Your video can adopt any format you prefer: animation, talking head, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, etc. Remember, video is a dynamic visual medium. Utilizing diagrams, simulations, physical demonstrations, etc., is far more effective than merely standing in front of a blackboard and talking.

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-scoring entries from last year. However, to demonstrate 'creativity,' your video should be as original as possible.