Science whizzes Sarah Aboerjaib and Eiman Al-Hamad have distinguished themselves and landed on the list of the top eight innovators in season 12 of “Stars of Science.” Over the next prototyping and testing episodes, the selected contestants will have to prove the soundness and effectiveness of their ideas to the jury, experts and live studio audience. They will battle to secure their place in the Grand Final and have the chance to compete for a share of the cash prize of $600,000 in seed funding.
“Selecting this crop of contestants was not easy, as they had to prove that both their ideas and their pitching skills stood apart from the best that Arab youth has to offer,” “Stars of Science” jury member Professor Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry said. “This season’s contestants come from a wide variety of disciplines, showcasing an incredibly diverse pool of ideas.”
Aboerjaib earned a place with her Fractured Bone Optical Scanner. The Kuwaiti engineer came up with a handheld device that uses near-infrared rays to detect bone fractures or abnormalities in the human body. Another innovation that tackles challenges in healthcare this season is Mohammad Almogahwi’s Automated Hands-Free Toothbrush. The fellow Kuwaiti, a periodontist, created a U-shaped mouthpiece designed for effective teeth brushing, especially for people with special needs. Additionally, Wadah Malaeb, a biomedical engineer from Lebanon, wants to boost medical research with his Ductal Organoid-on-a-Chip. Based on growing organ chip technology, the invention provides a suitable environment in which cells can grow as if they were in the human body, enabling crucial drug testing.
Meanwhile, computer engineer Al-Hamad entered the “Stars of Science” workshop with her Arabic Conversation Fraud Detection programme. The Qatari’s design detects phone fraud through voice recognition and voice-to-text transcription that supports the Arabic language. Azzam Alwan, a Lebanese Ph.D. holder in Machine Learning, also focused on cybersecurity with his 3D Biometric for Information Security. The software secures mobile phones through memorising the user’s handwriting patterns.
The two females in the running for a cash prize are also pitted against two developers aiming to help save lives in dangerous situations. Palestinian engineering student and first responder volunteer Jamal Shaktour made the cut with his Dual Mask Rescue Pack. The portable air filtration and mask system is designed to help first responders protect themselves and those in danger. Plus, Othman Abu Laban, a Jordanian mechanical engineer, secured his place with his Adaptive Car Headrest, which protects drivers and passengers from whiplash in an accident. The devise automatically adjusts its position to provide a safety buffer for their heads.
Education also makes its way into the competition thanks to Ahmad Fathalla’s Educational Platform Using Electronic Cubes. The Egyptian automotive system engineer designed the unique technology comprising a set of computerised cubes covered in screens, delivering interactive English and Arabic games with a psychoeducational focus, for children.
Science lovers can tune in to witness the top eight’s innovation journey on eight regional channels and online. Being an integral part of Qatar Science & Technology Park, part of Qatar Foundation, audiences can gain a special glimpse of how high scientific standards and collaboration shape groundbreaking technologies before they reach the market.
For a full broadcast guide to "Stars Science” Season 12, visit www.starsofscience.com. Do you have what it takes to be on “Stars of Science” Season 13? The show is already accepting applications for the next season until December 1, 2020. Visit https://www.starsofscience.info/to register.
