Stars of Science finalists, from left, Mourad Benosman, Yaman Abou Jieb, Omar Hamid and Hassan Albalawi.

Innovators Omar Hamid of Egypt and Mourad Mohamed Benosman of Algeria cleared the final hurdle in their quest to become Stars of Science finalists on MBC4, beating Palestine’s Nadim Rifai in a captivating design episode. Omar’s near-perfect prototype earned him universal praise and a remarkably high score, while the simple effectiveness of Mourad’s device helped him secure the last finalist spot over Nadim.

For Omar and Mourad, a showdown with their fellow finalists Hassan Albalawi of Saudi Arabia and Yaman Abou Jieb of Syria lies ahead. In the live final, which will air next Friday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. on MBC4, the finalists will be ranked by jury deliberation and voting from the Arab world, with a share of $600,000 on the line.

Stars of Science is Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s popular edutainment reality TV program airing on MBC4. The program has seen young innovators compete against each other to turn their creative ideas into reality and is part of QF’s mission to encourage Arab youth to reach their potential while fostering and providing a platform to facilitate success.

Friday’s episode was the penultimate step in the remaining candidates’ innovation journey. The young adults were challenged to enhance their device into a user-friendly, attractive product.

First to face the jury was Nadim, who proudly presented his Rewarding Behavior Treadmill app and sensor, named “Fittastic.” In describing how the device rewards beginner athletes and fitness fanatics alike by integrating gameplay and exercise, Nadim elaborated on how his invention would positively impact public health. But he faced tough questioning from jurors, who were skeptical whether or not the design of his app would catch on with the general public.

Next up was Mourad, inventor of “Digiheart,” the ECG Wearable Stress Analyzer that improves health diagnostics by distinguishing between physical and mental stress. The Algerian impressed jurors by demonstrating how his design complements the simplicity and efficiency of the device.

Lastly, Omar unveiled his new and improved Prayer Chair, which he called “Sanda.” The device, which offers assistive sitting and standing to worshippers in a mosque with physical disabilities, was lauded by the jury.

“Sanda” earned Omar the highest score of the day by far, 92 out of 100. In the race for second, Mourad and his “Digiheart” prototype beat Nadim and his “Fittastic,” guaranteeing the Algerian’s inclusion in the final four.

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