Global science company 3M has launched a national case challenge calling all college students to submit their most innovative ideas on technology, sustainability and innovation.

Dubbed The 3M Inspire Challenge, participants will get to enjoy access to 3M mentors from diverse backgrounds who will sharpen their ideas in preparation for the Country-Level Semi-Finals and Regional-Level Finals. 

“At 3M, science is at the heart of everything we do,” said Mr. Kevin McGuigan, Managing Director, 3M Southeast Asia Region and Country Leader, Singapore.

“We strive to solve today’s challenges by delivering innovative solutions that help improve lives around the world. The 3M Inspire Challenge is therefore here to inspire great ideas in technology, sustainability, and innovation, and support the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators.”

The 3M Inspire Challenge invites students to submit their best ideas in technology, innovation, and sustainability

The inaugural competition is open as well to the counterparts of Filipino undergraduates in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The first stage, known as the Country-Level Semi-Finals, will see students face-off against their local peers in a live judging panel on August 24, 2021.

The winners of this stage will be crowned the title of “Country Champion,” awarded a cash prize of US$1,000, and internships at local 3M offices. 

The Country Champion will then proceed to the second stage, known as the Regional-Level Finals, to compete against all the Country Champions.

The winning team will be crowned “Regional Champion” and walk away with a USD$2,000 cash prize.

Registration now open

Interested participants can now register their groups at The 3M Inspire Challenge website. Groups should consist of two to four students, and at least one male and one female member. 

Participants are invited to submit ideas for the three challenge themes: Technology, Sustainability, and Innovation.

Full details of the case themes will be unveiled when submissions open from May 22 to June 21, 2021.

Timeline of challenge

Date	Activity
23 April 2021	Registration opens for The 3M Inspires Challenge
21 May 2021 22 May 2021	Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Challenge theme cases releases and submissions open at 12:00 a.m. on 22 May 2021
21 June 2021	Submissions close at 11:59 p.m.
By 20 July 2021	Shortlisted teams notified to compete in the Country-Level Semi-Finals
By 13 August 2021	3M Mentor sessions with the shortlisted teams (with in-country representatives)
24 August 2021	Round 1 Country-Level Semi-Finals Presentation Challenge Country Champion announcement
By 15 September 2021	3M Mentor sessions with the shortlisted teams
21 September 2021	Round 2 Regional-Level Presentation ChallengeRegional Champion and runners-up announcement

Championing the next generation of talent

The 3M Inspire Challenge is the latest addition to 3M’s diverse ecosystem of community engagements to make a positive impact in the fields of science and education, and champion a diverse talent pipeline.

3M also partners with various organizations such as the Department of Science and Technology and Mano Amiga Academy to provide high quality STEM educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.  

Press Release