Enter
Who?
Anyone between the ages of 13 and 18
You can take part in this year’s Challenge as long as you’re:
- 13 or older by 12:01 AM PDT (West Coast USA) on May 11, 2026
- Not older than 18 (not yet 19) as of 11:59 PM PDT (West Coast USA) on October 1, 2026
We welcome submissions in English from anyone of those ages, including homeschooled students, students with disabilities, and students from all over the world. For additional details, check out the Rules.
How?
Sign up
To get the ball rolling, sign up here.
Apply (Applications will be taken starting May 11, 2026)
To apply, fill in the forms here, answer a short questionnaire about yourself, your school and your chosen Challenge topic, and submit your completed video.
What?
Create a video (2:00 minutes max)
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Step 1
Select a theory, concept, or principle in physics, life sciences, mathematics. One that’s important to understand but challenging to explain.
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Step 2
Create a short video (no more than 2:00 minutes) to communicate the idea in an engaging, illuminating, and imaginative way. Be creative! Consider using visual tools in your video, such as animations, simulations, or physical demonstrations.
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Step 3
Submit a YouTube video link in your application and join our Breakthrough YouTube channel, Breakthrough Facebook page, Breakthrough Instagram page, and Breakthrough TikTok page. Share your video on your own YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages too. Take part in the Peer-to-Peer review, where you get to view and score the submissions from five (5) other contestants.
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the top-scoring films from last year’s Challenge.
When?
Timeline
Key deadlines:
Submission Deadline
Submissions are due no later than September 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT (West Coast USA).
Peer-to-Peer Review Deadline
To be eligible for the $250,000 scholarship, you must score at least five other submissions by September 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM PDT (West Coast USA), during the Peer-to-Peer Review. You may also be asked to score additional entries.
Winner Announced
The winner will be announced on a date to be determined by the Competition Sponsor.
