Season 16 Innovators

About

At 32, Haytham Yahyaoui, a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Quebec. His portfolio includes presentations at professional conferences like the International Conference on Cloud Networking (CloudNet) and publications in leading journals, including the International Journal of Network Management, highlighting his expertise and valuable contributions to the field.

The inspiration to join Stars of Science came during the COVID-19 pandemic when a chance encounter with the show on YouTube captivated Haytham’s attention. This discovery prompted a pivotal shift in his professional journey­, leading him to transition from ­­­­­­focusing on academic publications to developing impactful projects that address real-world problems. Haytham's project in Stars of Science reflects his ambition to make a tangible impact by bringing his ideas to the market and see his innovation make a genuine difference for mankind. 

About the Project

Haytham's innovation, the Alzheimer Early Detection App, represents a significant advancement in healthcare technology. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, this smartphone app analyzes speech patterns and content to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms. 

Although the innovative algorithm primarily focuses on Alzheimer's detection, the app also holds the potential to recognize symptoms of similar cognitive conditions. Tailored for English-speaking elderly individuals, this innovative tool is a step forward in making early detection accessible and initiating timely medical intervention.

The motivation behind Haytham's project is deeply personal, stemming from interactions with his elderly neighbor, who had been living alone for 27 years. For Haytham, their interactions highlighted the importance of communication in maintaining cognitive health.

Impact

By offering a screening tool, this invention aims to slow the disease's progression through timely intervention. Designed for a global audience with plans to expand language options, this app not only aids individuals in seeking early medical advice but also serves as a valuable resource for researchers and healthcare professionals.

With the increasing smartphone usage among the elderly, this app leverages technology for early detection of cognitive decline, serving as a constant guardian, and improve the quality of life for individuals, who often face the challenges of aging alone.

Stepping away from his academic position as a post-doc fellow at Quebec University to concentrate on his project, he exemplifies the drive to transform scientific discovery into tangible solutions and is determined to bring his innovation swiftly to the market, aiming to outpace potential competitors. 

His advice to fellow Arab innovators emphasizes the importance of data and empirical evidence in validating project excellence.