Arab Innovators Compete in Stars of Science Season 17

The seven Arab innovators competing in the finals of Stars of Science Season 17, a Qatar Foundation initiative, are entering a decisive phase that demands precision, perseverance, and progress. The show, hosted by Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) - a member of Qatar Foundation - continues to demonstrate how determination transforms ideas into real-world impact.

Since its debut in 2009, Stars of Science has become the Arab world’s leading innovation platform. Over the years, it has provided mentorship and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. It has also built valuable investor networks to support young innovators. Through these resources, QSTP empowers participants to refine their ideas and turn prototypes into market-ready solutions. As a result, the program continues to drive sustainable change and create impact that reaches across the globe.

Star of Science Elevating Innovation Standards

Season 17 introduces an unprecedented challenge. For the first time, contestants are refining existing technologies instead of building entirely from scratch. This shift marks a new stage in the program’s evolution. It also reflects the show’s growing maturity and the region’s stronger commitment to precision-driven, high-impact innovation.

Broadcast weekly across regional television networks and digital platforms, the program challenges participants to apply lessons learned from past graduates. It also encourages them to combine creativity with technical insight. Through this process, they build the experience, adaptability, and resilience that define this season’s finalists.

A Proven Platform for Regional Growth

Since its inception, Stars of Science has produced more than 313 episodes and featured 175 alumni from 18 Arab countries. Over the years, its graduates have expanded their impact across the region. They have established more than 55 companies in key sectors, including healthcare, engineering, education, and sustainability.

By consistently evolving its format and raising the standard of competition, Stars of Science continues to advance innovation across the Arab world. In doing so, it also reinforces Qatar’s position as a leader in cultivating a dynamic and globally connected knowledge economy.

Game-Changing Projects in the Spotlight

Among the standout innovations this season are Razan Salem Bahabri’s adaptive rehabilitation gaming system and Mohamed Kahna’s augmented reality surgical navigation tool. Together, these projects showcase the creativity and technical depth driving the competition forward.

• Bahabri’s project seeks to transform stroke rehabilitation through localized, gamified therapy. It focuses on enhancing patient engagement and improving recovery outcomes in a field that impacts more than 12 million people worldwide each year.
• Meanwhile, Kahna’s AR-assisted navigation system is designed to enhance surgical precision by overlaying real-time data. This advanced approach helps surgeons make faster and more informed decisions. As a result, it reduces the risk of complications and supports greater accuracy in high-stakes procedures.

Empowering Qatar’s Innovation Ecosystem

While the program features innovators from across the Arab world, Stars of Science remains firmly rooted in Qatar’s national innovation ecosystem. It is hosted at QSTP, the country’s primary technology development hub. Through this foundation, the program aligns closely with Qatar Foundation’s broader mission to advance entrepreneurship and applied research.

Over the years, Qatari contestants have used the show as a launchpad to build and expand startups within Qatar’s growing innovation ecosystem. Many alumni have continued their research and commercialization journeys through QSTP’s incubation programs and Qatar Development Bank (QDB) funding initiatives. In addition, several have benefited from partnerships supported by the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI).

This close integration ensures that the program not only inspires Arab innovators but also reinforces Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation. It continues to advance deep-tech entrepreneurship and promote sustainable development across the region and beyond.

Enduring Legacies and Expanding Impact

Stars of Science continues to serve as a catalyst for long-term success stories. One of its notable alumni is Anwar Almojarkesh, a former contestant who later became both a mentor and co-host. After competing in Season 5, he developed a smart assistive pillow for the hearing impaired. Building on this innovation, he went on to establish Innovation Factory in the United Kingdom and Sound Genetics in the United States—companies that now deliver AI-powered safety and accessibility solutions around the world.

Through its strong support system and extensive mentorship network, the show continues to empower innovators to transform their prototypes into viable ventures. Many of these startups go on to maintain active research or business operations within Qatar’s growing innovation hubs.