After weeks of intense competition, the Stars of Science television programme has revealed its top three finalists for Season 17. Innovators from Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Jordan will now compete for the title of Top Arab Innovator, with their projects focused on solving pressing real-world challenges in health and sustainable technology.
The final winner and runner-up, who will share a Grand Prize, will be determined by a combination of jury deliberation and public voting. Qatar Foundation has opened public voting on the Stars of Science website, which will close on 23 October at 6 PM Doha time.
Saudi Innovator Focuses on Stroke Rehabilitation
Finalist Razan Salem Bahabri, a Saudi PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, has developed a wearable gaming system to support the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Her invention aims to make the recovery process more interactive and accessible by merging therapy with technology. The project reflects a growing interest in finding new approaches to public health, an issue recently discussed at a seminar on global health financing held in Doha.
“I wanted to prove that science can be personalized and empowering,” said Bahabri. “Too often, rehabilitation feels clinical and detached. My goal is to bring empathy back into recovery, where patients are not just treated, but truly engaged.”
Algerian Finalist Tackles Mental Health Monitoring
Laid Dardabou from Algeria, who holds a PhD in Animal Nutrition and Physiology, is in contention with his smartwatch-based system designed to detect early signs of depression and anxiety. The device works by tracking key biomarkers such as vitamin D and serotonin. Dardabou was inspired by a personal experience.
“This project began as a promise,” he explained. “Someone close to me suffered from undiagnosed depression caused by a vitamin D deficiency. I wanted to ensure others never go through that same experience. Stars of Science gave me the tools to transform that promise into innovation.”
Jordanian Inventor Advances EV Battery Technology
The third finalist is Mohammad AlShaikh Saleh, a Jordanian Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He has created an AI-powered device that monitors the health of electric vehicle (EV) batteries to reduce costs, waste, and emissions. His system combines artificial intelligence with physics-based models to provide accurate predictions, similar to other AI innovations recently unveiled by Dubai Police.
“I wanted my research to make a tangible difference,” Saleh stated. “My device supports the shift toward electric mobility by building trust in EV technology and aligning with sustainability visions across the Arab region.”
Throughout the season, the finalists have developed their ideas into functional prototypes with support from the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), which served as an incubator. They received guidance through a rigorous process of testing, mentorship, and collaboration with a panel of world-class experts and a network of programme alumni.
