DOHA: Yaman Abou Jieb, the young innovator from Syria, emerged victorious in the breathtaking live finale of Stars of Science in Doha, Qatar, concluding the seventh season of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s (QF) edutainment reality TV program on MBC4.

Voting from viewers around the Arab world combined with a jury deliberation garnered Yaman Abou Jieb a score of 37.2 percent, enough to win the first prize of $300,000 for his Solar Washing Machine, Glean. Yaman thrived on Stars of Science Season 7 due to his trademark resilience and determination.

Launched in 2009, Stars of Science is dedicated to scientific innovation, and aims to shine a spotlight on the next generation of young Arab innovators. The initiative brings to fruition QF’s overarching vision of unlocking human potential by creating an environment that facilitates learning and knowledge acquisition.

Omar Hamid, inventor of the Prayer Chair, Sanda, came in second place with a combined score of 23.1 percent earning $150,000. Omar charmed audiences this year with his creativity and passion for social impact.

The tenacious, problem-solving innovator from the Saudi Arabia, Hassan Al-Balawi, came in third with a score of 20.4 percent with his EEG Cap Analyzer, Wakecap. With his ECG Stress Analyzer, Digiheart, Mohamed Mourad Benosman, a strong-willed thinker from Algeria, came in fourth place with a score of 19.3 percent. Hassan won $100,000, while Mohamed was awarded $50,000.

“Stars of Science has been the experience of a lifetime — I am proud to represent Syria in this great competition,” Yaman Abou Jieb, winner of Stars of Science Season 7, noted. “By connecting young innovators like me with resources and expertise, Qatar Foundation generates interest in science, engineering, and design in the Arab world. Going forward, I will be driven not only to develop Glean, but to give youth across the region confidence in their abilities to improve lives through innovation.”