Record Number of Women Make Stars of Science Shortlist
Doha, Qatar, October 9, 2018: Female innovators are gaining the upper hand as the milestone 10th season of Stars of Science, Qatar Foundation’s edutainment TV initiative, continues to unfold on our screens – with more women reaching the show’s Majlis episode than ever before.
The show sees dedicated innovators from across the Arab world bid to secure their place among the final nine candidates, who will take a leading role on the show. Following the inaugural casting episode, focusing on ICT innovation, pioneering ideas in the biomedical, energy, and environmental arena were next up for review – and with only a handful of innovators being able to make the Stars of Science jury’s preliminary shortlist, the hopefuls knew they had to give the pitch of their lives.
For the first time in Stars of Science history, female innovators made up 30 percent of the contestants who reached the final stages of selection. Shattering the stereotype of innovation as a male-dominated environment, and demonstrating the impact of women in science, they showcased groundbreaking concepts and their ability to combine technology with a sense of humanitarianism and sustainability.
“I am delighted that Stars of Science is contributing to a paradigm shift in gender equality, and it makes me extremely proud to see the number of female innovators increasing each and every year on the show,” said Professor Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry, Stars of Science jury member. “It is a real achievement and victory for the show, and for all women in the region. Supporting each other in science is a fundamental necessity, as it is now proven that increased diversity leads to stronger business performance.”
The jury assessed the largest number of contestants in Season 10 so far, all armed with a healthy dose of confidence and scientific knowhow. Ideas included a suit that filters air and provides oxygen during flame and smoke exposure, designed for firefighters. Another standout concept was a cost-effective 3D printer that produces sustainable concrete, with the aim of contributing to a greener future for our cities.
Further innovations placed in front of the Stars of Science jury offered solutions to an array of problems, from a portable gluten detector to help Celiac disease sufferers, to a cost-effective solution for gas refining and a smart writing device for the visually-impaired.
Season 10 auditions are now complete and, during the Majlis episode on Saturday, October 13, viewers will be introduced to 21 innovators. Following the jury’s approval, the top nine will enter the studios to start the prototyping stage, where their inventions will undergo constant development and design refinement. If they are then selected for the semi-final elimination rounds, their products will be vetted by potential customers. In the Grand Final, four innovators will share a cash prize of $600,000 based on jury review and public votes.
For a full broadcast guide to Stars of Science Season 10, visit www.starsofscience.com
ENDS
About Stars of Science
Stars of Science, the edutainment TV initiative by Qatar Foundation, is the Arab world’s leading innovation show. Established in 2008 to inspire a generation, the show empowers Arab youth to implement creative solutions to regional problems through science, technology, and innovation.
Celebrating a decade of Arab innovation, Stars of Science has proven to be a positive catalyst of scientific and technological change in the region beyond its broadcasts and social media presence of 2.5 million followers. Its alumni network spanning 131 people from 18 Arab countries has been going from strength to strength; independently raising over 14 million USD in revenues, grants, and crowdfunding. In addition to winning hundreds of innovation awards, they have also created jobs and businesses, given inspirational talks, built schools, and inspired a generation.
Over a 10-week process, an expert panel of jurors assesses and eliminates between nine innovators and their projects in Prototyping and Customer Validation episodes until only four finalists remain to compete for a share of $600,000 in seed funding. The ranking is determined by jury deliberation and online voting from the public.
Please visit:
Website - www.starsofscience.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StarsofScienceTV
Twitter - https://twitter.com/starsofscience
YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/user/Starsofsciencetv
Instagram- starsofsciencetv
Details on regional broadcasting:
Al Rayyan TV: (GMT+3)
Saturdays: 21:00 pm
Re-run: Sundays 17:00 PM
Al Araby TV: (GMT)
Saturdays 18:00 pm GMT
Re-run: Saturdays 22:00 PM, 04:00 AM, and on Mondays 10:00 AM
Al Araby+2
Saturdays 18:00 PM
Re-run: Saturdays 22:00 PM, Sundays 14:00 PM, and Tuesdays 12:00 PM
Alsumaria: (GMT +3)
Saturdays 22:30 PM
Re-run: Sunday 1PM
Roya: (GMT+3)
Saturdays 22:30 PM
Echorouk TV: (GMT +1)
Saturday: 20:00 PM
Oman TV: (GMT +4)
Sunday: 21:00 PM
LBCI: (GMT+3)
Sunday: 17:30 PM
Al Rai TV: (GMT +3)
Every Sunday starting October 6th
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, science and research, and community development.
QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir, 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, visit http://www.qf.org.qa
For more information, please contact:
Mariam Diefallah –Weber Shandwick
+974 66836932
