Qatar Foundation’s media initiative sets the stage for Arab youth to build innovation legacy
Episode 1 Premieres Saturday at 15:00 GMT on LBC
Doha, Qatar, September 22, 2017 – Stars of Science is back! The number one Arabic reality TV show driving interest in science and innovation amongst Arab youth returns on air September 23 for a 9th season filled with electrifying fun and ingenuity. The Qatar Foundation initiative goes the limit to find, mentor, and enable the finest young innovators in the Arab region. Breakthrough or breakdown, this new season promises to capture the roller coaster ride in full. An all new jury line up, special appearances by popular alumni, and a grand finale will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show will be aired on LBC at 15:00 GMT. Visit www.starsofscience.com for a full broadcast guide on channels and airing times.
Stars of Science allows young and old to witness ambitious candidates develop innovations that will improve lives. Dreamers and doers compete to make their mark on the world through science and innovation. Their adventure only lasts if they impress the jury and convince their audiences. It’s a competition of brain over brawn and resilience over strength with only one candidate crowned the Arab world’s top innovator at the end of the 10-week season.
Success on Stars of Science does not come easy. Thousands of hopefuls come out swinging for a spot on the show. The extraordinary opportunity is not only eyed by the geeky. The show has seen them all – the adventurers, the philosophers, and the money makers. They do have one thing in common – a passion for problem solving that’s larger than life. Four finalists will survive elimination rounds for a share of a cash prize of USD 600,000, ranked by jury and public online votes in the final week of airing. The results will be announced in a spectacular finale and broadcasted on multiple different TV channels.
Qatar Foundation’s Head of Press, Khalifa Al Kubaisi, noted: “The objective of Stars of Science is to bring about positive change. It serves as an accelerator for developing new products that benefit the communities we live in. Building innovation capabilities in the Arab world is very much needed. The TV show offers a thought-provoking glimpse into amazing talents pushing boundaries to make that happen. They are bold and brave, but we also see them struggle with setbacks and obstacles. By encouraging young Arabs to become science and technology problem-solvers, we cultivate a culture of innovation and progress.”
Throughout the season, Stars of Science innovators must satisfy a three-headed jury to avoid elimination. The formidable Professor Fouad Mrad returns. So does his partner-in-crime, the shrewd Professor Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry. The new addition of cool-as-ice, visionary Professor Khalid M. Al-Ali promises to bring a laser sharp focus to the group.
Professor Mrad said: “Stars of Science has developed into a powerful platform to supercharge innovative ideas and transform them into cutting-edge products. The show has been instrumental in shedding light on the endless possibilities of science in everyday life. The number of young Arabs filing for patents, starting businesses, and developing new products after participating on the show is testimony to this. They have set the bar high, so the new batch of innovators had better roll up their sleeves. I am planning to disturb their calm seas and excite their spirit. No doubt the magnificent Professor El- Zoheiry and first time juror Dr. Al-Ali will throw in a few surprises of their own.”
Stars of Science features ten fast-paced episodes which challenge all innovators to outperform their competition. Episodes are grouped into four rounds – casting, prototyping, customer validation, and the finale.
Of the four who reach this season’s final, ranking is determined by a combination of jury and public online voting. The winner receives a whopping USD 300,000 in funding for their groundbreaking idea. Finalists who find themselves in second, third, and fourth places will be awarded USD 150,000, USD 100,000, and USD 50,000, respectively.
The winner of this season will be in good stead as Stars of Science has a strong track record of empowering pan-Arab innovators and problem solvers, catapulting brilliant ideas into successful projects and businesses. The show equips innovators with the knowledge and skills to become the entrepreneurs, researchers, and scientists of the future.
Renowned for its unique contribution to the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region, the show’s impact is being felt through the success stories of its many alumni.
Since the launch of the show in 2008, SOS alumni have raised $14,545,918 USD independently through revenues, venture capital and research grants. They have established over 19 businesses around the region and have volunteered their time to encourage and inspire tens of thousands of Arab youth from across the region. Alumni have been involved in workshops, talks, and community-building activities that include maker spaces, schools, and traveling Fab labs.
For a full broadcast guide or to catch up on episodes please go to www.starsofscience.com