STARS OF SCIENCE DEFIES CHALLENGES WITH SEASON 12
STARS OF SCIENCE DEFIES CHALLENGES WITH SEASON 12
STARS OF SCIENCE DEFIES CHALLENGES WITH SEASON 12
Qatar Foundation’s edutainment TV show overcomes production challenges posed by COVID-19
Doha, Qatar, September 5, 2020: Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Stars of Science returns for its 12th season on September 11 on select channels, embarking on a new decade of empowering pan-Arab innovators as they seek to address challenges in 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, Press Office and Media Relations Manager, Qatar Foundation. “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 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 conceptualization 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. In addition, the show invites leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematic 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 diligence.”
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, Khalid 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.
Growing beyond 139 members across 18 Arab countries, the drivers of change catalyze social progress and create a culture of innovation across the region. Through breaking the wall of fear to inventing and exposing thousands of viewers to the process, Stars of Science fosters an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Arab region to better equip future generations.
Watch the season premiere on September 12 on select channels. For a full broadcast guide to Stars of Science Season 11, visit www.starsofscience.com
About Stars of Science
As the premier innovation show in the Arab world, Stars of Science – the edutainment TV initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF) – empowers Arab innovators to develop technological solutions for their communities, benefitting people’s health and lifestyles, and helping to preserve the environment.
Over a twelve-week process, the contestants demonstrate the effectiveness of their solutions in a shared innovation space, competing against time with the support of a team of experienced engineers and product developers. An expert panel of jurors assess and eliminate projects every week across several prototyping and testing rounds, until only four finalists remain to compete for a share of $600,000 in seed funding. Jury deliberation and online voting from the public determine the rankings.
Stars of Science will air every Friday and Saturday from September 11, 2020 till November 6, 2020. Please visit the broadcast guide for channels and timings: starsofscience.com
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Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, science and research, and community development.
QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.
QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.
For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, visit http://www.qf.org.qa