STARS OF SCIENCE CROWNS SEASON 13 WINNER

Riadh Abdelhedi has emerged as the top Arab innovator on Season 13 of Stars of Science, a Qatar Foundation (QF) initiative, winning the votes of the jury and public with his innovation, the Hybrid Power Bank, while overcoming a variety of challenges caused by COVID-19.

The Tunisian innovator was overjoyed when the show’s longtime host, Khaled Al-Jumaily, announced that his invention, the Hybrid Power Bank, had claimed 39.4% of the total votes, securing the top prize of $300,000.

“I want to thank the jury and the audience for giving me their votes and believing in my idea and invention, Hybrid Power Bank, which I hope I will be able to continue to develop and release in regional and global markets. I hope that I can set a good example for how creative and innovative young Arab youth can be when equipped with the adequate resources,” said Abdelhedi.

His winning invention, now branded as HyPow, can charge itself fully in a few minutes as a result of its unique power storage system, which combines lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitor technology. HyPow provides the world with an innovative, efficient way to charge a device while leading a busy life. Riadh’s invention encourages us to adapt to our fast-paced life especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

“Last year, we saw global priorities shift; and this was true even for the technology sector, which continues to play a vital role in combating COVID-19. As a result, in this very special season of Stars of Science, we have observed two broad categories of innovation – projects which are actively fighting COVID-19 and its associated complications, and projects that demonstrate resilience and adaptability and urge continuity,” said Yosouf Al-Salehi, Executive Director, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP).

“This was true of Riadh Abdelhedi, who finalized the Hybrid Power Bank in record time, and demonstrated how technology can drive positive impact. His invention exemplifies the persistence of innovators in developing technology solutions that can solve real-world challenges, which is exactly what we need in our journey towards a post-pandemic future.” he added.

Mugeb AlHarosh  from Yemen came in second place with his Portable Renal Blood Flowmeter, which uses non-invasive biosensors attached to the skin to analyze critical data that can provide a preliminary diagnosis and help identify possible kidney damage. He earned a combined score of 32.5% of the total votes and received $150,000.

Qatar’s Mohammed Al-Qassabi secured the third-place prize of $100,000 with a total vote percentage of 20.4% for his invention, the Football Offside Detection System, which utilizes band tags embedded inside players’ uniforms and the ball to correctly identify offside violations during matches.

In fourth place came the Lebanese contestant Ousama Kanawati, securing 7.7% of total votes for his invention the Wearable Omni Stethoscope Vest, which is designed to help patients monitor their lungs via multiple digital stethoscopes and wireless technology. Kanawati was awarded $50,000.

“As part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation, QSTP’s various programs, including Stars of Science, are playing a leading role in fostering technology development, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and nurturing tomorrow’s students of change, not just within Qatar but also across the Arab world, for the collective benefit of our societies,” concluded Al-Salehi.

Candidates and winners of season 13 will join the illustrious Stars of Science alumni community, all of whom are drivers of change in communities across the Arab world and beyond.

Aspiring Arab innovators are encouraged to apply for the next season of Stars of Science. Online applications will close on December 1, 2021, and applications should be submitted on www.starsofscience.com.

About Stars of Science

As the premier innovation show in the Arab world, Stars of Science – the edutainment TV initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF) – empowers Arab innovators to develop technological solutions for their communities aiming to improve people’s well-being, provide financial opportunities to their local citizens, and advance sustainable development.

Over a 12-week process, the contestants demonstrate the effectiveness of their solutions in a shared innovation space, competing against time with the support of a team of experienced engineers and product developers.

An expert panel of jurors assess and eliminate innovators and their projects every week across several prototyping and testing rounds, until only four finalists remain to compete for a share of $600,000 (terms and conditions apply). Jury deliberation and online voting from the public determine the rankings.

Apply to be on Stars of Science Season 14 to become the next innovator, visit www.starsofscience.info

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Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development, and community development.

QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF’s world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation’s development.

QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.

For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa

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