Stars of Science returns to Showcase Young Arab Innovators

In its Upcoming Sixth Season on MBC4

Doha, September 2014 – Qatar Foundation’s “edutainment reality” TV program Stars of Science is returning for a sixth season on MBC4, with a competitive new format.  The program bolsters interest in science and technology as well as accelerates the development of the region’s next generation of Innovators.

For its sixth season, Stars of Science will debut a new format aimed at increasing competition, pitting small groups of innovators against each other for the chance to turn their ideas into reality.  Following a competitive selection process, twelve candidates aged 18 to 30 from across the Arab world are selected to come to Doha, where they are mentored by engineering and design specialists from across the globe.  The innovators’ resilience, ingenuity and teamwork are tested in challenges throughout the program as they develop their potential products from concept to working prototype with the ultimate goal of winning a share of the $600,000 prize money. A jury comprised of prominent tech experts and industry leaders examine candidates’ projects and determine who progresses to the next stage.

Thousands of applicants are considered during a six-country casting tour aimed at identifying the candidates with the best ideas.  In the first four episodes of Stars of Science, viewers will witness the casting sessions where 12 candidates will eventually be selected from across the Arab world.

 “Stars of Science searches the region for the most promising young innovators and connects them with world-class experts in order to bring their ideas to life,” said His Excellency, Sheikh Abdulla bin Ali Al-Thani, Ph.D., President of Hamad bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation. “The program is stimulating a passion for science and technology among Arab youth, and is contributing to educational attainment and economic development in the Arab world.”

Through its six seasons, more than 28,000 young Arab inventors have submitted their ideas to Stars of Science. 
Stars of Science candidates have established an enduring legacy of giving back to their communities.  Around the Arab world, Stars of Science alumni are actively mentoring other innovators, speaking publicly and supporting local startups.  Alumni have also presented at TEDx events, the White House, international forums and toured schools to speak about the importance of STEM education.  The 80 candidates who have been featured on Stars of Science have gone on to file 62 patents and found 16 regionally-based companies.

“The overwhelming interest from young Arabs aspiring to participate in Stars of Science is indicative of a renewed enthusiasm for science and technology throughout the region,” said Youssif Abdulrahman Saleh, perennial juror and General Manager of Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre in QSTP.  “The high number of quality applications from talented, inspired people has made the selection process very difficult.  I have no doubt that the top 12 candidates ultimately chosen will be our best innovators thus far.”

This season, Stars of Science has launched a new website that allows fans to enrich their viewing experience. The website is an interactive hub for technology-related discussion and helps Arab innovators connect with resources and each other and will include a discussion forum and live chat option before, during & after episode airings where Jury members, experts and candidates themselves will be able to respond to questions by the general public.

Season 6 of Stars of Science is hosted by Khaled Al Jumaily who is joined by the co-host Haneen Al Naqdi for the first time. The program will premiere on MBC4 on 13 September, at 9 PM KSA / 6 PM GMT 2014.  Candidates will confront challenges, race against the clock and compete with each other in 10 prime time episodes. Further insights into the candidates can also be seen in the accompanying daily episodes that start airing on Sunday 5th October at 4pm KSA/1pm GMT on MBC4.  Season 6 will culminate in a live final in which voting from the public and jury deliberation will determine the final outcome.