Arika Kundu, 13, turns peanut shell waste into pesticide remover, competes for $25,000 prize

Thirteen-year-old Minnesota student Arika Kundu has designed a method that uses discarded peanut shells to help remove pesticide residues from fresh fruits and vegetables. Her project, called LIGNEX, has made her one of 10 finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. She will now compete for the $25,000 grand prize with guidance from a 3M scientist.

By TOI Science Desk