* QF’s edutainment TV show overcomes production challenges posed by Covid-19
Qatar Foundation (QF)'s 'Stars of Science' returns for its 12th season on September 11 on Qatar TV, embarking on a new decade of empowering pan-Arab innovators as they seek to address challenges in Qatar, the Arab world and across the globe with novel technologies.
Since 2009, the number one Arabic edutainment TV show has invited Arab innovators between the ages of 18-35 from around the world to design solutions for their communities. This season, aspiring entrepreneurs will innovate technological solutions to harness the productivity benefits and address modern issues such as security threats of digital technologies in everyday life.
“Invention continues to be a necessity as the world faces unprecedented challenges,” said Khalifa Essa al-Kubaisi, Media Relations and Press Office manager, QF. “'Stars of Science' promotes collaboration, entrepreneurship and research in an effort to cultivate homegrown scientific talent, vital to helping our communities solve present and unforeseen problems.”
The nine-episode series will follow eight contestants as they compete to transform their projects ideas into viable prototypes that are relevant and competitive in local and international markets. This innovation marathon tests their scientific, engineering and business acumen, featuring several rounds of conceptualisation and prototyping, and a critical round of testing, before the final episode.
The contestants will have access to "unparalleled resources, including a state-of-the-art innovation space filled with open workstations that encourage a collaborative environment", QF has said in a statement. In addition, the show invites leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics institutions from Qatar and the world, who will bring needed expertise in the development of the projects.
The 'Stars of Science' jury, Professor Fouad Mrad, Dr Khalid al-Ali and Professor Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, will continue to uphold rigorous scientific standards and provide expert guidance to participants. At the end of every episode, they will select the most promising projects deserving additional development resources to continue the journey, ensuring that the most competitive ideas are presented to the world in the final episode, no matter the circumstances.
“Viewers tuning in will not only witness Arab scientific excellence, but they will also see the perseverance of the region’s youth this season,” said Professor Mrad. “The Covid-19 pandemic posed great issues for 'Stars of Science' and its contestants. However, our participants demonstrated their resilience, adapting and continuing their work with scientific deligence.”
Members of the distinguished 'Stars of Science' alumni network return to the show to help select candidates in the casting episodes while also co-presenting the episodes alongside long-time host, Khaled al-Jumaily.
Part of Qatar Science & Technology Park – QF’s hub of technology innovation, entrepreneurship and development – 'Stars of Science' is at the heart of a vibrant and diverse innovation community that strives to impact societies around the world.
One can watch the season premiere on September 11 on Qatar TV. For a full broadcast guide to Stars of Science Season 12, one can visit www.starsofscience.com
