Qatar Foundation’s Stars of Science Igniting Innovation, Entrepreneurship in Region
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation’s (QF) unique edutainment show, Stars of Science, has significantly influenced the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar and the surrounding region. It has provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas and transform them into prototypes. Professor Fouad Mrad, a leading jury member of Stars of Science, highlighted the show’s pivotal role in inspiring generations to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship.
By providing a dynamic platform for young visionaries to present their groundbreaking ideas, Stars of Science has successfully bridged the gap between scientific research and minimum viable products (MVP), fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Hosted at Qatar Science & Technology Park, Stars of Science is the longest-running invention-focused TV show in the Arab world. With over 16 seasons and 168 alumni from 18 Arab nationalities, the show has left a lasting impact. Alumni continue to contribute significantly to the fields of science and technology, exemplifying the show’s enduring influence.
Notably, the show has seen a significant increase in female participation and contributions. The recently concluded Season 16 set a record, with five out of seven finalists being women. This reflects the growing recognition of the vital role women play in STEM fields.
Alumni from Stars of Science have successfully launched around 55 businesses and services, addressing challenges in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and technology consumer products. The show provides adequate funding, professional mentorship, relevant networking, and media exposure. This holistic support facilitates the market entry of these innovations, contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The show has built a robust alumni community that collaborates with incubators and accelerators, science and technology parks, universities, and research institutions. They actively participate in local, regional, and international forums, spreading a message of scientific and technological discovery towards pragmatic problem solving based on experience. Awareness and educational campaigns leverage TV and digital media platforms to attract much-needed attention to youth activities relevant to innovation and connected education in the region.
The structure of the show enables participants to transform novel ideas into prototypes within 12 weeks. It has led to a variety of technological advances, contributing to the transformation of the region towards knowledge-based development in a diversified economy, especially in fields like medical devices and Artificial Intelligence.
Over the years, Stars of Science has recorded notable achievements, including over 25 million views across online platforms, establishment of more than 55 businesses by alumni, and the creation of 168 prototypes. The program’s success is measured not only by the immediate outcomes for participants but also by the long-term impact of alumni on their communities and industries.
Female alumni mentor aspiring inventors during casting days, sharing their valuable insights and experiences to inspire the next generation of innovators. This includes the commercialization of inventions, contributions to local economies, and the cultivation of a culture of innovation.
Many past participants have gone on to develop groundbreaking innovations that address real-world challenges, from medical devices and renewable energy solutions to AI applications. Notable success stories include Khalid Aboujassoum, who founded Else Labs Inc. and created a robot chef that mimics stovetop cooking, Oliver Fleet; Mohammed Al Jefairi’s Creativity Makers Center and Sidra Bank, the world’s first Islamic decentralized digital bank. Noraldin Al Deri, a Jordanian innovator, opened the first early intervention center in Jordan powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, Eiman El Hamad, a young Qatari inventor, developed the Arabic Conversation Fraud Detection programme on Stars of Science, using AI and voice recognition to protect Arabic speakers from scams. She is now a respected researcher and trainer in information security, conducting workshops in Qatar.
Looking ahead, Stars of Science envisions fostering a sustainable ecosystem for innovation that nurtures young talent and encourages the development of solutions to real challenges. Its alumni have become role models for the younger generation, showcasing the Arab world’s potential for scientific excellence.
Stars of Science is fully aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly in its commitment to digital transformation and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. By serving as an accelerator for inventive ideas and entrepreneurship, the show empowers young innovators to develop cutting-edge solutions that contribute to Qatar’s knowledge-based economy.
