Arab Innovators Rise to the Challenge, Elevating Scientific Practice on QF’s Stars of Science

Technology

Arab Innovators Rise to the Challenge, Elevating Scientific Practice on QF’s Stars of Science

Innovation thrives on adversity, and nowhere is that more evident than on Stars of Science, Qatar Foundation’s long-running edutainment program. Now in its 17th season, the show continues to shape a generation of Arab inventors who transform obstacles into opportunities — proving that perseverance remains the driving force of progress.

This year, contestants are taking innovation a step further by refining existing technologies rather than starting from scratch. It’s a shift that demands not only creativity but also precision, patience, and a commitment to optimization.

Among the standout participants are Saudi innovator Razan Salem Bahabri and Tunisian engineer Mohamed Kahna, both tackling major global challenges through their projects. Bahabri’s adaptive rehabilitation gaming system aims to enhance stroke recovery by gamifying therapy and improving patient engagement. With 12.2 million new stroke cases worldwide each year, her localized and accessible solution could make rehabilitation more effective and motivating.

Kahna’s invention, an augmented reality-assisted surgical navigation tool, focuses on improving surgical precision. Given that more than 310 million major surgeries are performed annually across the globe, his technology seeks to help surgeons minimize complications and make informed decisions in real time.

Supporting these innovators is Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation. Through mentorship, access to advanced facilities, and investor networks, QSTP ensures that Stars of Science projects extend beyond the prototype phase into scalable startups — a journey exemplified by Season 16 winner Yaman Tayyar and past participants who turned their ideas into thriving businesses.

One of the most inspiring success stories comes from Anwar Almojarkesh, a Season 5 contestant who now serves as both mentor and co-host on the show. Though he finished fifth during his season, Almojarkesh continued developing his ideas, eventually creating a smart assistive pillow for the hearing impaired that detects emergencies through vibrations, light, scent, and app alerts.

Building on his experiences, he went on to found two technology companies — Innovation Factory in the UK and Sound Genetics in the US — both dedicated to advancing AI-powered solutions for governments, transport authorities, and healthcare providers. His projects include the Wildlife Animal Deterrence System (WADS), which prevents deer collisions on rail networks, as well as real-time graffiti detection, voice authentication, and deepfake identification technologies.

“You don’t have to win the show to win in life. The real success comes with the determination to keep achieving after the spotlight fades,” Almojarkesh said.

His ongoing achievements underscore the broader mission of Stars of Science: not just to produce prototypes, but to nurture innovators who make lasting global impact.

With trailblazers like Almojarkesh paving the way, this season’s contestants face high expectations. Yet, as the show’s history proves, perseverance and vision can turn bold ideas into transformative solutions.

Audiences can follow the journeys of Season 17’s contestants and watch new episodes weekly through October 2025 on the official Stars of Science website and broadcast channels.