Success Stories
“Stars of Science has been more than just a platform; it has been a catalyst for growth, providing invaluable support and recognition” says Layth Hamad, Stars of Science Season 13 contestant. He adds: “My journey with Stars of Science (SoS) has been transformative, significantly shaping my professional and personal growth. Participating in Season 13, I faced numerous challenges but developed resilience and perseverance that have been invaluable in advancing my invention and other projects.”
Project & Impact
Layth's passion for technology and electronics ignited at a young age, leading him to frequently disassemble electronic toys to understand their workings. This curiosity extended into his education, where he pursued a bachelor's degree in computer engineering at Jordan University of Science and Technology. During this time, he also served as a Google Student Ambassador, bridging the gap between the tech giant and his peers. His interest in the Internet of Things (IoT), which connects physical objects and smart sensors through wireless networks and the internet, particularly captivated him. Over the past eight years, Layth has been a Senior IoT Systems Engineer at the Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC), focusing on innovative methods to connect hardware and data analysis, with a vision of creating smart cities like the Msheirib Downtown development in Doha,enabling AI and big data technologis to serve various sectors in Qatar.
Inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, Layth's Stars of Science journey led him to develop the Smart Reusable Medical Mask Kit. He observed that a mask's effectiveness in preventing virus spread was heavily dependent on proper usage and duration of wear. Utilizing IoT principles, Layth invented a mask clip that attaches to the mask and connects to a phone application, tracking the mask's position and usage time. The app alerts users if the mask is worn incorrectly or needs cleaning. Complementing this, a sterilization box uses ultraviolet light to disinfect the mask, addressing the growing issue of mask pollution. Through this innovation, Layth aims to enhance public health safety and contribute to sustainable solutions.
The Aftermath of SOS
Layth currently resides in Qatar, working at the Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) within the Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC), an independent branch of Qatar University. In his role as a Senior IoT R&D Systems Engineer, Layth is deeply involved in creating innovations and transforming ideas into tangible implementations, similar to the work of innovators in Stars of Science. His contributions to the innovation ecosystem are evident through multiple technologies visible on every road in Qatar, such as the WaveTraf project, aligning with the goal of making Qatar a smart city.
As a Senior IoT R&D Systems Engineer specializing in Internet of Things and Smart Cities Innovations, Layth's responsibilities at QMIC include product management and technical development. He develops and executes IoT product strategies, collaborates with cross-functional teams, conducts market research, defines product roadmaps, and manages product lifecycles. Technically, he leads the design and architecture of IoT systems, researches emerging technologies, develops prototypes, and oversees IoT system development and testing. Notable projects include the Labeeb IoT Platform, WaveTraf real-time traffic monitoring devices, and the HUMIDEX smart heat stress monitoring system for worker safety. Recently, Layth graduated with a Master's degree in Computer Engineering from Qatar University with honor degree, where he developed an innovative autonomous navigation robot using stereo vision cameras and AI, for which he is finalizing patent documentation. His thesis work has resulted in two published papers, and he was honored with the Scientific Excellence Trophy by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, for his academic and research achievements.
