Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Stars of Science returns for its 11th season on September 13 with a brand-new format, introducing a host of changes that reflect an added emphasis on sustainability and collaboration, as it continues to provide a platform for Arab innovators to develop technological solutions that address the region’s challenges.
Since it first aired in 2009, Stars of Science, the premier pan-Arab ‘edutainment reality’ TV show, has invited Arab inventors between the ages of 18-35 from around the world to design technologies that have an impact on their communities.
This year, contestants will be encouraged to create sustainable technological solutions that aim to benefit people’s health, make their daily lives easier, and protect the environment.
“The world needs sustainable technologies now more than ever,” said Khalifa E al-Kubaisi, manager of Media Relations & Press Office at QF. “Stars of Science recognises that addressing the challenges of our time means developing solutions that meet the demands of the communities they serve.
“Under the supervision of our expert judges, Arab innovators have the opportunity, through Stars of Science and QF’s commitment to offering pathways for transforming ideas into impact, to make a difference in their home country and throughout the region,” al-Kubaisi noted.
The nine-episode series will follow the path of eight contestants and their projects, as they compete in an innovation marathon including several rounds of conceptualisation and prototyping, and a decisive round of testing, before the final episode.
In small groups, the jury will competitively assess the participants and eliminate the weakest project in every episode.
The show will also host leaders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) institutions in Qatar, who will provide the contestants with realistic opportunities and challenges.
The familiar Stars of Science jury, Professor Fouad Mrad, Professor Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, and Dr Khalid al-Ali, are returning to judge projects and provide the contestants with constructive criticism and guidance throughout Season 11.
Innovators from past Stars of Science seasons have mentored several contestants, and this year, members of the show’s alumni network will return to help with casting as well as to co-host alongside long-time host, Khaled al-Jumaily, in the evaluation episodes.
The Stars of Science community has been making a substantial impact throughout the world. This growing innovation family, which now comprises 139 members across 18 countries are generating more than $14mn in revenues, crowdfunding, and research funds, while winning an array of regional innovation awards.
The season premiere will be telecast on September 13, on Qatar Television at 10pm.
Stars of Science jury, Professor Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, Dr Khalid al-Ali, and Professor Fouad Mrad.
