‘Skin Cancer Treating Soap’ Wins 3M Young Scientist Challenge

3M and Discovery Education named Heman Bekele—a 9th grader at W.T. Woodson High School in Annandale, VA—as the winner of the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a national middle school science competition. Heman was selected for his compound-based “Skin Cancer Treating Soap.”

Bekele spent four months competing against nine other finalists and secured his win during final Challenge events at 3M headquarters in St. Paul, MN last week. Finalists navigated a series of interactive challenges and were evaluated on their ingenuity and innovative thinking, application of STEM principles, demonstration of passion and research, presentation skills and ability to inspire others, according to 3M.

“The need for scientists and innovators to develop solutions for the world's biggest challenges has never been greater. This year's Young Scientist Challenge finalists have demonstrated the skills required to reimagine what's possible—intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience,” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility.

Inspired by the costly and widespread health issue that is skin cancer, Bekele developed an affordable soap solution that could positively impact skin cancer outcomes.  Over the next five years, he hopes to refine this novel innovation and create a nonprofit organization that will distribute this low-cost solution to communities in need, according to 3M.

You can watch Bekele explain his soap, which contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid and tretinoin, here:




As the grand prize winner, Bekele will receive a $25,000 cash prize.

In the Young Scientist Challenge, now in its 13th year, finalists are paired with a 3M scientist who mentors and works with them one-on-one over the summer to transform their idea from concept to prototype.