Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Stars of Science returns for its 11th season this Friday, 13 September, 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 to 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 will benefit people’s health, make their daily lives easier, and protect the environment.
According to Khalifa E Al Kubaisi, Manager of Media Relations and Press Office at QF, the world needs sustainable technologies now more than ever. He said that 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, to make a difference in their home country and throughout the region.’
Season 11 of Stars of Science introduces several changes to the show’s format. 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 mathematics (STEM) institutions in Qatar, who will provide the contestants with realistic opportunities and challenges.
One major change, highlighting the collaborative platform that all eight contestants share, is a new state-of-the-art innovation space. A large, open area with designated work stations throughout, it provides an opportunity for innovators to exchange ideas and gather feedback from each other as they work on their projects.
The familiar Stars of Science jury, Professor Fouad Mrad, Professor Abdelhamid El Zoheiry, and Dr Khalid Al Ali, are all returning to judge projects and provide the contestants with constructive criticism and guidance throughout Season 11.
Collaboration is at the heart of any great invention, said Dr Khalid Al Ali.
While a great idea may spring from one mind, it takes a tenacious collective effort to make it an impactful reality. The new season promises to introduce groundbreaking technologies and to give viewers an exciting glimpse into the kind of collaborative effort needed to bring innovations to life.’
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 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 US$14 million in revenues, crowdfunding, and research funds, while winning an array of regional innovation awards.
Watch the season premiere on Qatar Television this Friday, 10 pm. For a full broadcast guide to Stars of Science Season 11, visit starsofscience.com.