Qatar Foundation has announced the names of the four contestants who have made it to the finals of its science and technology edutainment reality TV program 'Stars of Science,' on MBC4.

Stars of Science is an original TV format, initiated by Qatar Foundation, which has been broadcast on over 17 TV channels throughout the Arab world and is now on MBC4.

Currently in its fifth season, Stars of Science supports 16 young innovators who have an idea based on a novel scientific feature. Each project is developed for commercialization through several stages of the innovation cycle which includes proof of concept, engineering prototyping, design production and business feasibility.

The four finalists are ranked by a jury and viewers in a live show where the winning products are launched.

The final 4 competing for their share of the total $600,000 prize money are:
•Mohammed Doumir (Algeria) - Dr. Doumir - Camel Racing Diagnostic Boots
•Mohammed  Al Kuwari (Qatar)  - Automated Verdict in Disputed Football Scoring
•Sherif Yahia (Egypt) - Sawti- Speech Synthesizer for the Language Impaired
•Waleed Jan (Saudi) -    Re-braille - Mechanical Braille Editor

The judging panel comprised James Woudhuysen, Professor of Forecasting and Innovation at the De Montfort University in Leicester,  Noora Al Mannai, former CEO of Enterprise Qatar and Nasser Al Khater, the communications and marketing director for the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.   

During the business phase, five candidates were assessed on their innovation’s business model, market analysis and understanding as well as how they communicated and pitched their ideas by Stars of Science’s prestigious panel of business judges.

Anwar Almojarkesh from Syria, part of the top five candidates and inventor of Safe and Sound, the assistive pillow for hearing impaired people, was beaten by a narrow margin following a heated debate with the jury.  
        
Commenting on the final list, Noora Al Mannai said: “This year, the candidates’ ideas were more mature and the quality of products much more convincing. I am proud to say that the candidates have really taken advantage of the resources provided to them especially given the fact that they had such a short period of time to improve their prototypes."

"All of the products are so clear, simple yet in demand and innovative – I fully believe each candidate has the potential to give back to their society," she noted.

The winner will walk away with a cash prize of $300,000, while the runner up will get $150,000 followed by third prize of $100,000
$50,000 for the fourth prize winner, said a senior official.

Nasser El Khater, the executive director of Marketing and Communications of the Qatar 2020 Supreme Committee, said: “What each candidate should remember is that they don’t need to win this competition to be successful; all candidates have ideas that are viable and commercial. This isn’t something they should give up on right now just because they didn’t make it through to the final four."

"Regardless of who wins, each candidate needs to focus and continue developing their ideas and business plan, as well as speak to potential investors. I believe that Arabs are inventive and creative and applaud programmes such as Stars of Science who provide these young innovators with the resources and support to develop their ideas," he added.

For the first time in the competition, the final four will be put to public vote during the live finale for their ranking taking place on Friday November 8 at 8pm (Saudi time) on MBC4.-TradeArabia News Service