The Arab world’s flagship innovation platform returns with a renewed format and a new call for Arab innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators.
Doha | Dubai | Amman | Cairo | Rabat | Riyadh, 9 June 2026: Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), has opened applications for Season 18 of Stars of Science – QF’s flagship innovation platform dedicated to supporting the next generation of Arab innovators and entrepreneurs.
Applications are now officially open and aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, designers, creators, and problem-solvers aged 18-35 from across the Arab world and the global Arab diaspora are called to apply by 26 June 2026.
Over nearly two decades, Stars of Science has championed Arab innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific advancement on an international stage, helping support generations of innovators whose ideas have evolved into ventures, technologies, and solutions addressing real-world challenges, and continuing QSTP’s mission to spotlight and support Arab innovation on a global stage.
This season, the opportunity extends far beyond the screen. Marking the platform’s most ambitious evolution yet, Season 18 introduces an updated format with a stronger focus on venture-building, emerging technologies, innovation storytelling, and the next generation of Arab innovators shaping the future.
The winner will receive a fully supported venture-building experience in Qatar designed to help transform their idea into a real company, including mentorship, strategic guidance, office space, operational support, access to interns, and immersion within one of the region’s leading innovation ecosystems.
“Stars of Science opens its doors wider than ever this season to young innovators across the Arab world and its diaspora,” said Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP. “Anyone with an idea can apply, regardless of access to resources or networks. We want to give ambitious youth the tools to turn bold ideas into real ventures using science, technology, and AI to build startups that create lasting impact.”
Stars of Science 18 introduces an updated creative direction designed to better showcase the journeys of Arab innovators, led by internationally acclaimed Executive Producer Andrea Hamilton, whose credits include The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance, and Little Mix: The Search. The production is delivered by Zinc Media Group and its Doha-based label, The Edge.
Andrea Hamilton says: “Stars of Science already has an extraordinary legacy across the Arab world. The opportunity now is to evolve the format for a new generation – bringing more scale, emotion, entertainment, and cinematic storytelling while keeping innovation and human ingenuity at the center. We want audiences to connect not only with the inventions, but with the people brave enough to imagine them.”
This new season positions Stars of Science at the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship, spotlighting a new generation of Arab innovators and founders shaping the future from the region to the world.
Applications are encouraged from innovators, creators, builders, founders, engineers, and entrepreneurs working across AI, gaming, robotics, climate innovation, health-tech, fashion-tech, digital design, engineering, and future-focused entrepreneurship.
From ethical AI and longevity to sustainability, mobility, learning, and human connectivity, the new season reflects the ideas and technologies shaping the future while spotlighting Arab talent leading that transformation.
Produced in both Arabic and English, the series continues to expand beyond traditional broadcasting, reaching audiences across the Arab world and internationally through stories of innovation, ambition, and transformation.