Qatar Foundation’s Stars of Science to put top six through their paces in customer validation round
Doha, Qatar, November 8, 2017 – A highly-charged episode of Stars of Science saw one more hopeful innovator exit the competition this week. Audiences witnessed pharmacy student Hassina Bacha, who vowed to help improve the lives of children through her ‘Automated Eye Testing Spectacles’, bow out. Hassina’s exit makes way for Meshal Alshahrani and Wassim El Hariri, who both passed the test with flying colors.
In the coming two episodes, the remaining six innovators will enter a crucial phase of the Qatar Foundation initiative, when their prototypes are tested and judged by a group of potential customers.
Meshal breezed through the jury’s questions about his ‘Hajj Navigation Bracelet’. His innovation uses Bluetooth and GPS technology to ensure pilgrims can find their way around Mecca. “The Hajj is not only the fifth pillar of Islam, it also brings pilgrims from all over the world together,” he said. “The different languages, ethnicities, and cultures truly reflect the universal nature of the religion. My device aims to accommodate this unique spiritual experience in the most sacred city in Islam.”
Persuasive, patient, and keen to succeed, Wassim ticked all the boxes and more, explaining his ‘Hospital Patient Food Delivery Robot’ to the jury. The practical droid automatically delivers meals to patients in hospital beds using advanced robotics technology. “My innovation will save hospital staff tremendous energy and time. They can dedicate this precious time to improving the health and well-being of patients, giving the best treatments and service possible,” he said.
From an initial nine young Arab innovators determined to win this season’s Stars of Science at the start of the prototyping rounds, only six remain.
Airing this weekend, six of the Arab world’s finest innovators will allow their inventions to be tested by potential users during the first of two customer validation rounds. Jurors will evaluate them in part based on the assessment of the customers. After this nerve-wracking and exciting stage, four will make it to the final and have a shot at winning a share of USD $600,000 in seed funding for their idea.
Tune in for the first customer validation round on November 10 and 11 to find out if your favorite innovator makes it to the final on this season’s Stars of Science.
For a full broadcast guide or to catch up on episodes please visit www.starsofscience.com