(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Fouad Maksoud was named the Arab world's top innovator in a supercharged finale of Stars of Science. His journey on the ninth season of the Qatar Foundation (QF) hit TV show captivated audiences across the Middle East and beyond. While competition was fierce, Fouad and his Nano-shielding Textile Machine became the public and jury favourite, earning him the highest honor on the show.
Omran Hamad Al Kuwari, Executive Director, CEO Office, QF, said, 'Stars of Science serves as a platform to launch the careers of talented young Arab men and women who possess the potential to impact their local community and beyond. This year, we have seen a multitude of incredible inventions designed to address the needs of, and solve problems specific to, the Arab world.
The Stars of Science finale took place in the Sultanate of Oman. For the last action-packed episode of the season, Stars of Science kicked off its partnership with the Oman Technology Fund, celebrating the accomplishments of the show and the bright future of the innovators.
Yousuf Al Harthy, Chief Executive Officer of the Oman Technology Fund, said: 'By hosting the Stars of Science finale, press events, and open discussions in Oman, we aim to enhance the participation of Omani youth in upcoming Stars of Science seasons.
This week, Stars of Science fans cast their votes online for one of the four finalists. The online voting from the public, combined with the expert jury vote, earned Fouad Maksoud a score of 43 percent, enough to win the prize of $300,000 for his Nano-shielding Textile Machine.
The multifunctional machine harnesses nanotechnology to make clothing waterproof, integrate healing medicine into the fibers of bandages, and much more. 'If you're sitting at home with a brilliant idea, my message to you is: ‘Action is the only antidote when it comes to innovation, achieving goals, and solving problems. It's up to young people like you and me to serve and improve lives of the communities we live in, said Maksoud.
Ahmad Nabeel, inventor of the Virtual Beam and Self-Cleaning Laparoscope, an automated, self-cleaning laparoscope with a virtual beam — making surgeries safer for both doctor and patient — came in second place with a combined score of 30percent, earning himself $150,000. Innovator Meshal Alshahrani came in third with a score of 14.7 percent with his Hajj Navigation Bracelet, which will direct Muslims to important places during the pilgrimage, minimising their chances of getting lost. He won $100,000.
Mohammed Al Jefairi came in fourth place with a score of 12.3 percent with the Deaf Interactive Robotic Teacher, a device that uses the latest technological advancements to teach sign language to children. He was awarded $50,000.
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