3M

3M is a global science company founded in 1902, which began as a small mining venture and now applies science collaboratively to create solutions across a range of industries. It employs more than 90,000 people and operates in over 70 countries. The company is a Fortune 500 firm.

Its technical work spans materials science, adhesives, abrasives, ceramics, nanotechnology and applied science, applied to the automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, electronics, safety and energy sectors. 3M owns 49 technology platforms and holds over 100,000 patents. Roughly one-third of sales come from products introduced in the past five years.

Among its best-known products are Post-it Notes, Scotch Tape and Command Strips. The company describes its culture as one of innovation, with a stated commitment to solving customer challenges and to pushing the boundaries of what is possible through science.