Qatar Foundation’s media initiative shortlists science and technology standouts to compete for title of ‘Best Arab Innovator’
Doha, Qatar, October 16th, 2017 – Thousands of hopefuls vied to be named the Arab world’s best innovator on Season 9 of Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Stars of Science TV program, and now, after three intense rounds of casting, nine innovators have been chosen to compete for the highly-coveted title.
Hassina Bacha envisions clear eyesight for children everywhere, while Fouad Maksoud dreams of multi-functional, life-saving clothes. Mindful of a healthy lifestyle, Mohamad Farag is looking to turn the exercise world upside down. Planning to change lives of both the young and the old, Meshal Alshahrani takes navigation for Mecca pilgrims to a whole new level.
Ahmed Nabeel’s surgical tool idea will no doubt blow away surgeons and patients around the world. Another science sensation is Mohammed Al-Jefairi, tackling the nexus of sign language and education. Wassim El Hariri takes on the hospital food game, gearing for efficiency and convenience. Arabic coffee addicts will fall in love with Wissam Manshi’s invention. Zainab Abosuhail does not fix anything if it’s not broken, but if it is, she knows effective ways to put broken bones back together.
“Great ideas are the product of collaboration,” said Khalifa Al Kubaisi, Head of Press Office, QF. “Stars of Science innovators will have access to a vast innovation ecosystem. They will leverage these resources – and each other – to develop real prototypes that have the potential to improve lives in the region and throughout the world.”
Next weekend’s episode, featuring Season 2 winner and Prototec founder Sadeq Qassim, will provide an in-depth look at the progress made by the first group. Natural communicator Mohammed Al-Jefairi will showcase an interactive robotic teacher for the deaf, designed to help teach young children sign language. Headstrong Ahmed Nabeel is developing a self-cleaning laparoscope with a virtual beam, a surgical tool that could help surgeons save time in the operating room and help students track operations with more precision. The witty Wissam Manshi is working on an Arabic coffee robotic waiter that autonomously serves Arabic coffee at events.
The following week’s broadcast airing on November 3 and 4, featuring Season 1 winner and Roadie Tuner founder Bassam Jalgha, pits the other laboratory’s inhabitants against each other. The charismatic Fouad Maksoud works on a Nano-shielding textile machine that uses the power of petrochemicals to turn clothing waterproof. He will compete with the talented Zainab Abosuhail. Her idea for an automatic cast-making machine could change the way broken bones are mended. Both have to watch out for methodical Mohamed Farag. His ‘Smart gym retrofit kit’ idea blends technology with old exercise equipment to revolutionize workouts.
In the last of the prototyping episodes, the final laboratory will have a chance to show off their projects to the jury, with an appearance from alumnus and tech entrepreneur Anwar Almojarkesh. Bookworm Hassina Bacha will demo a device that tests children for vision problems. Whiz-kid engineer Meshal Alshahrani will unveil a Hajj navigation bracelet that aims to help pilgrims navigate the Holy City of Mecca without getting lost. Lastly, the brilliant Wassim El Hariri will demonstrate his ‘hospital patient food-delivery robot’ designed to serve meals to hospital patients.
Join us for the prototyping rounds and root for your favorite innovator. They will need all the support they can get as many trials and tribulations await them in coming rounds.
Do you have what it takes to be successful on Stars of Science Season 10? Enter to find out! We are accepting applications for the next season through December 1, 2017. Visit www.starsofscience.info/applynow/sos.html to register today.
For a full broadcast guide or to catch up on episodes, please visit: www.starsofscience.com