QSTP Opens Applications for Stars of Science Season 18

Doha, Qatar - Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has opened applications for Season 18 of Stars of Science, inviting young Arab innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, designers, and creators to apply before 26 June 2026.

This year’s edition marks a new chapter for the long-running innovation platform, with a sharper focus on venture-building, emerging technologies, and helping participants turn bold ideas into real startup companies in Qatar.

Applications Open for Arab Innovators

Stars of Science, Qatar Foundation’s flagship innovation platform, is back for its 18th season, opening the door for a new generation of Arab innovators from across the region and the global diaspora.

Applications are open to aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, designers, creators, builders, and problem-solvers aged 18 to 35. The program is seeking individuals with original ideas that can address real-world challenges and demonstrate potential for technological, social, or commercial impact.

The deadline to apply is 26 June 2026.

For nearly two decades, Stars of Science has played a major role in promoting Arab innovation and scientific creativity. Since its launch, the platform has helped showcase innovators whose ideas have grown into products, ventures, and practical solutions addressing challenges across multiple sectors.

A Shift Toward Real Startup Creation

Season 18 introduces one of the program’s most ambitious updates yet. While Stars of Science has long been known for bringing scientific ideas to television audiences, the new season places stronger emphasis on what happens beyond the screen.

The updated format focuses on venture-building, emerging technologies, innovation storytelling, and founder development. The goal is not only to spotlight promising inventions, but also to support innovators as they shape their ideas into scalable and market-ready ventures.

The winner of Season 18 will receive a fully supported venture-building experience in Qatar. This support is designed to help transform an idea into a real company and includes mentorship, strategic guidance, office space, operational support, access to interns, and immersion within Qatar’s innovation ecosystem.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to Arab nationals and individuals of Arab origin from around the world. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, speak Arabic, and be ready to participate in the program’s development journey.

Selected participants are expected to travel to Doha during the program stages, while the winning contestant must be able to relocate to Qatar for the initial founder incubation period.

Stars of Science is encouraging applications from people working across a wide range of fields, including artificial intelligence, gaming, robotics, climate innovation, health-tech, fashion-tech, digital design, engineering, and future-focused entrepreneurship.

Supporting Innovation Across the Region

The launch of Season 18 reflects Qatar Foundation and QSTP’s wider commitment to strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. By connecting young innovators with technical, business, and strategic support, the platform aims to help bridge the gap between promising ideas and real market opportunities.

Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, said the program is opening its doors wider than ever to young innovators across the Arab world and its diaspora. She emphasized that applicants do not need to come with existing access to resources or networks, but rather with ambition, creativity, and ideas that can create lasting impact.

This message positions Stars of Science as more than a competition. It is now increasingly framed as a launchpad for Arab founders who want to use science, technology, and entrepreneurship to build solutions for the future.

A New Storytelling Direction

Season 18 will also bring a refreshed creative direction aimed at making the innovators’ journeys more engaging for audiences. The production will highlight not only the technical development of each idea, but also the human stories behind the founders, their motivations, and the challenges they face while building.

This approach reflects the program’s evolution from a science competition into a wider platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional storytelling.

Why It Matters

The return of Stars of Science comes at a time when Qatar and the wider region are placing growing emphasis on entrepreneurship, deep tech, and knowledge-based economic development.

By supporting young Arab innovators with mentorship, workspace, technical guidance, and access to Qatar’s startup ecosystem, Season 18 aims to help turn early-stage ideas into companies with real-world potential.

For applicants, the opportunity goes beyond visibility. It offers a structured path to test, build, refine, and potentially launch an innovation from Qatar, while connecting with experts and ecosystem partners who can support long-term growth.

How to Apply

Applications for Stars of Science Season 18 are open until 26 June 2026.

Eligible Arab innovators, entrepreneurs, creators, and problem-solvers can apply through the official Stars of Science application platform.