The Jury
As a beacon of innovation in the realm of technology and construction, Dr. Hassan Albalawi has spearheaded the revolution of construction site management with WakeCap Technologies. Under his leadership as Co-founder and CEO, the company stands at the forefront of offering smart solutions that prioritize data-powered site visibility and safety, fundamentally altering industry standards for the better.
Hailing from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Albalawi initiated his PhD journey at Carnegie Mellon University, where he notably published the majority of his research work. Subsequently, he transitioned to Duke University, where he successfully completed his PhD.
Dr. Albalawi’s journey through Stars of Science —where he clinched third place in 2015 with his innovation WakeCap, a smart hat solution which monitors alertness and issues warnings during fatigue—to enhance safety and productivity on construction marked a significant milestone in his career, amplifying the reach and impact of his innovative venture. This achievement underscores the competition’s vital role in nurturing scientific and technological innovation, and propelling inventors like Dr. Albalawi forward.
His journey continued with the completion of the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) Accelerator Program, which provided essential entrepreneurship training and mentorship. Furthermore, WakeCap’s win at UberPITCH Qatar, a competition for the best tech idea in the country, and its feature at the ArabNet Digital Summit in Dubai in 2016 highlight his company’s impactful venture.
Inspired by these opportunities provided by Stars of Science and driven by a firm belief in leveraging technology to improve safety and operational efficiency on construction sites, Dr. Albalawi breathed life into his invention, officially launching WakeCap Technologies in 2017.
WakeCap, whose signature innovation embodies Albalawi’s vision of enhancing workplace safety and efficiency, today boasts a team of 84 employees across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the USA. To date, the company has successfully connected over 31,500 workers globally, demonstrating the vast potential of integrating innovation into traditional industries.
As he returns as a Guest Juror on Stars of Science Season 16, Dr. Albalawi brings his wealth of experience and insight, encouraging contestants to channel their learnings into not just their projects on the show, but also into broader applications that address real-world challenges. His participation underscores the value Stars of Science places on the individual behind the invention, preparing them to navigate the market with confidence and present their innovations to the world.
“The path to innovation is filled with opportunities to make a significant impact. By embracing this journey, innovators can transform industries and improve lives, illustrating the transformative power of perseverance and ingenuity.”
