Experts highlight the importance of hands-on learning, mentorship, and early STEM engagement in shaping future innovators
As part of the QF Schools Showcase, students engaged directly with experts, researchers, innovators, and alumni from across Qatar Foundation’s ecosystem, gaining firsthand exposure to real-world innovation environments that extended learning beyond the classroom.
Through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and collaboration with leading institutions including Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), the showcase reflected Qatar Foundation’s (QF) commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and future-ready skills among the next generation of innovators and changemakers. Aisha Abdulhameed Al Mudhahka, Senior Program Director at the QRDI Council, said: “Investing in STEM education from an early age is an investment in the future of innovation, resilience, and economic growth. By engaging students early, we are nurturing curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will help shape the next generation of leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs. “Strong STEM education programs empower young people to confidently contribute to the industries of the future, while ensuring that talent is identified, supported, and developed within an increasingly fast-evolving global economy,” Al Mudhahka added.
Hayfa Al-Abdulla, Program Director at QSTP – a member of QF – said: “Providing students with the opportunity to engage within a live innovation environment like QSTP helps them understand how ideas can evolve beyond the classroom into practical solutions with real-world impact. “The involvement of startups and founders as mentors enriches this experience by giving students direct exposure to innovators who are actively developing and scaling technologies, while also helping them see how they can contribute to Qatar’s growing knowledge-based economy.”
In addition, students had the opportunity to engage directly with QF alumni in a dedicated ‘Walk the Talk’ zone, designed to bridge inspiration with real-world experience. This interactive space brought together more than 15 alumni from a diverse range of disciplines, including accessibility, energy, sustainability, biomedical sciences, and engineering.
Through informal conversations, students were able to ask questions, gain insights, and hear first-hand accounts of academic and professional journeys within the QF ecosystem. The initiative aimed to provide relatable role models, offering students a deeper understanding of how their interests can translate into future pathways and meaningful impact. Mentors in attendance included Dr. Marwa Qaraqe, Associate Professor at the College of Science and Engineering at HBKU – a member of QF – and an alumna of Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) – a QF partner university. “Being part of QF showed me the true value of a collaborative and purpose-driven community. The opportunities, mentorship, and culture of innovation I experienced as a student played an important role in shaping both my academic and professional journey,” said Dr. Qaraqe.
“When students are exposed to STEAM, research, and hands-on learning from an early age, they begin to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and researchers. Within the QF ecosystem, students are constantly surrounded by innovation and real examples of what is possible, giving them both the confidence and the vision to shape their future aspirations.” Jaber Al Hanzab, an engineer, artist, and graduate of TAMUQ, said: “For me, academic learning is important, but practical application is what gives knowledge its true value. During my journey at QF, I learned how ideas can be transformed into projects and products that create real impact. Experiences such as international internships and Stars of Science showed me that innovation begins when students turn knowledge into action.
“Supporting students and sharing experiences with younger generations feels like a natural extension of the role QF played in shaping my journey. Working on projects and innovation doesn’t just build academic skills, it also builds confidence, communication, and character.
“Even in my experience as an artist, I always believed that art can also be a way to create impact and deliver meaningful messages and value to people, because for me, innovation is not limited to one field, it is a mindset reflected in everything a person contributes to society.”
Building on this engagement, a series of ‘Walk the Talk’ opportunities will continue into the next academic year for Pre-University Education students, strengthening ties with alumni and deepening collaboration with industry, as well as public and private sector, partners. These engagements will provide students with direct access to insights, enabling them to explore future pathways across a wide range of disciplines.