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General
Our Mission
Stars of Science’s mission is to be the leading Arabic edutainment show that encourages and enables the region’s aspiring science and technology entrepreneurs.
Our mission is to mobilize a new generation of Pan-Arab innovators and problem solvers by encouraging youth participation and interest in science, technology, and entrepreneurship via the program and its social media activities.
It also aims to make science accessible and attractive to mass audiences by de-mystifying the process of innovation and harnessing best practices within TV shows to highlight that science, engineering, and innovation are essential in everyday life and can be fun. At Stars of Science, we firmly believe in empowering young Arabs and helping them transform into catalysts of positive change and progress in their communities by making use of science, technology and innovation. We provide all the support and guidance they need to make their ideas succeed, while at the same time raising awareness across the Arab World about the importance of science and its potential to help lift our societies to new heights.
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The show
Is Stars of Science an original TV concept?
Yes, Stars of Science is an original TV concept. Stars of Science is Qatar Foundation’s flagship educational entertainment reality TV show (edutainment). Since 2009, Stars of Science has been the Arab World’s leading innovation show, enabling the region’s rising science and technology trailblazers to make their ideas come to life for the benefit of their communities and the rest of the world.
Where can I watch the episodes and the previous seasons?
To find out the timing and list of broadcasters, please check our broadcasters page. Remember, you can watch any episode from the current season, as well as all the previous seasons on our website and on the program’s Youtube channel.
How do the candidates on the program get chosen?
A team of experts from various scientific, technical and professional backgrounds reviews applications submitted online and assesses them based on the following criteria:
- Novel scientific contribution
- Feasible prototype in two months
- Useful idea to society and markets.
Prospective Arab candidates will participate in pitching sessions, and projects which fulfill the criteria listed above will be shortlisted for a secondary review and final selection by the Stars of Science jury members. For more information, please feel free to check our jury section with all the details. After the initial selection, seven finalists will go through different stages of product development until three finalists remain to compete for the Grand Prize, with two winners to be determined by the public and jury voting
Where are the selected candidates from?
Stars of Science welcomes applications from any man or woman of Arab descent from across the globe.
What do the candidates win?
The total value of prizes awarded during the final episode is $450,000 divided among two winners:
- 1st Prize - $300,000
- 2nd Prize - $150,000
Does the audience participate in the selection of the winners?
Once the top four finalists are selected, viewers watching from home will have an equal say in who wins, along with the Stars of Science jury members. During the final week, voting will be open to the public on our website. The results of the online votes will be combined with the jury member decisions during the final episode, when the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place will be announced.
How does the jury assess each project in the different phases?
During the Concept Pitch phase, the jury’s assessment will be split as follows:
- Relevant identified market needs 30%
- Degree of scientific challenge 40%
- Pitch effectivness 30%
During the protoytping phase, the jury’s assessment will be split as follows:
- Competitive functional prototype 40%
- Industrial design considerations 40%
- Candidate’s personal resourcefunless and leadership 20%
During the MVP testing phase, the jury’s assessment will be split as follows:
- MVP field testing 40%
- Relevant experts testimonials 40%
- Candidate’s personal ability to take the lead and initiative 20%
During the market validation phase, the jury’s assessment will be split as follows:
- Business Canvas pitch 40%
- Market report card 40%
- Future outlook 20%
What type of ideas does Stars of Science look for?
Stars of Science seeks ideas that propose innovative and sustainable solutions in the following fields:
- Health and Biomedical Sciences
- ICT and Computer Sciences
- Energy and Environment
How advanced can/should a project be?
Stars of Science’s team is ready to consider projects in various stages of development, whether it’s in the early design stages, a basic prototype or even a patented idea.
I have lots of great ideas. How many can I submit?
Prospective candidates can submit as many ideas as they wish, each idea in a separate application form.
What material do I need to submit with my application?
In the early stages of your application, we ask that you submit only the most essential supporting materials, making sure that each attachment doesn’t exceed 2MB and a maximum of 10 files. Please ensure you have filled out the entire questionnaire explaining your idea, our team of experts will reach out to you if they require additional supporting materials.
Your idea is an improvement on an existing product, can you apply?
Stars of Science is willing to consider ideas that improve upon an existing product or idea, or makes it more sustainable, as long as it’s considered a novelty and does not violate any patents related to the original idea or product.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No. In case the candidate is selected to present to the jury in Doha, Stars of Science covers the entire cost of travel and accommodation. Applicants and participants are not required to pay anything for applying and auditioning before being selected, or participating in the program if they are selected. On the contrary, they will benefit from the team of experts that will support in the product develpoment and all expenses and materials used for the project devoplemnt are covered by the program.
Where can I Watch the Show?
Stars of Science airs on several leading TV channels across the region, for a full list, please head to our Broadcasters Page, for location-specific details and air times. Full episodes and extra content are also available on our SM platforms, website and YouTube channel, as well as all our previous seasons.
Is a prototype or detailed sketches/renders necessary to apply by mail or audition?
At this stage of the competition, we only need you to send us your most essential material in an attachment form that must not exceed 2MB and a maximum of 10 files. As long as you have filled in the questionnaire fully to explain your innovation concept, our team of experts will be in touch with you if needed. In any case we require more material, you can send it to the address: info@starsofscience.com
Why can’t I apply if I’m not between 18 and 35 years old?
Stars of Science’s mission is to enable and empower young men and women from across the Arab World to materialize their contributions to science and technology. Although our team understands that contributions by older individuals are just as vital in finding the best solutions for problems we all face, we believe that incubators and accelerators are a better fit than the Stars of Science platform.
