Seven Arab Innovators Shaping the Future in Qatar Foundation’s Stars of Science Season 17

From AI-powered surgical systems to wearable health tools, the seven finalists of Stars of Science season 17 are tackling pressing challenges in surgery, health, sustainability, and the environment. Their inventions, grounded in regional realities, highlight how Arab youth are harnessing science with purpose, collaboration, and impact.

Since its launch in 2009, Stars of Science — hosted at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation — has become a leading innovation platform across the Arab world. Over 313 episodes, it has built a network of 175 alumni from 18 Arab countries, helping launch more than 55 alumni-founded businesses across multiple industries.

Pioneering Advances in Surgery

• Mohamed Kahna (Tunisia) is developing a real-time surgical guidance system for laparoscopic procedures. Functioning like a GPS in the operating room, it overlays visual and auditory cues to enhance surgical precision.

• Khaldoun Megdady (Jordan) is creating a 3D coronary artery simulation platform that allows surgeons to rehearse bypass procedures with AI-generated anatomical models, improving safety and accuracy.

Driving the Green Transition

• Mohammad AlShaikh Saleh (Jordan) has built an AI-powered predictive system for electric vehicle battery failures using physics-based modeling. His innovation supports the GCC’s expanding $10.44 billion EV market forecast for 2034.

Safeguarding Marine Ecosystems

• Mohammed Al Mur Al Salmi (Oman) designed an enzyme-based spray to prevent bacterial buildup on underwater surfaces. As an eco-friendly alternative to toxic marine coatings, it protects both the maritime economy and ocean health.

Health and Human Well-being

• Laid Dardabou (Algeria) created a smartwatch-integrated tracker that monitors vitamin D and biomarkers linked to emotional well-being. His innovation addresses a critical health issue in a region with some of the world’s highest vitamin D deficiency rates.

• Razan Bahabri (Saudi Arabia) developed a gamified stroke rehabilitation system, turning recovery into interactive exercises while enabling clinicians to monitor progress remotely.

Nature-Inspired Medicine

• Ryad Hadj Habib (Algeria) is exploring scorpion venom’s properties to improve cancer treatment delivery. By preventing immune system blockage, his biomimicry-based approach enhances treatment precision and effectiveness.

Innovation with Purpose

The finalists of Stars of Science season 17 embody the power of Arab-led innovation — blending scientific expertise with regional insight. Their projects show how solving local challenges can produce globally relevant breakthroughs.

Audiences can follow the progress of these young innovators weekly until October 2025 across regional broadcasters and online.