When I joined Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) as part of the Stars of Science team, I was excited to learn what happens behind the scenes of one of the region’s leading innovation programs. I had the opportunity to work closely with the QSTP team and production company, contribute to the revamp of Season 18, and support the development of a new structure for participants. More than just gaining experience in production, the experience taught me about communication, ownership, collaboration, and what it means to contribute to something that impacts others. As I now shift my focus toward building my own startup, these are the experiences I’m taking with me.
One thing I loved: Seeing ideas come to life
One of my favorite parts of the experience was being involved in the revamp of Season 18. It was exciting to see ideas that started as conversations and discussions gradually turned into something tangible. Working on the new structure for participants was especially meaningful because I knew that the work we were doing would eventually shape the experience of the innovators taking part in the program.
Working alongside the production company also gave me a completely different perspective on how much coordination and creativity goes into bringing a program like Stars of Science to life. It made me appreciate the process behind the final product, not just what audiences see on screen.
One thing that challenged me: Learning to navigate different stakeholders
The experience also pushed me outside my comfort zone when it came to communication. Throughout my time with the team, I worked with internal teams, the production company, external stakeholders, and Stars of Science alumni. Everyone had different priorities, expectations, and ways of working.
Learning how to communicate with each of them, follow up effectively, and keep things moving taught me that good communication is not simply about delivering information. It is about understanding the person you are speaking with and adapting your approach accordingly.
One lesson I’m taking with me: Ownership requires trust
As I became more familiar with the work, I was given more ownership over my responsibilities. I appreciated being trusted to manage my tasks independently while still having the team’s guidance and support when I needed it.
That balance taught me that ownership does not necessarily mean figuring everything out alone. It means having the confidence to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for your work, while also knowing when to ask for help. Having that trust made me more confident in my own ability to contribute.
One thing I didn’t expect: How much happens behind the scenes
Before this experience, I had a very different understanding of what goes into producing a program like Stars of Science. Seeing the amount of planning, communication, coordination, and problem-solving involved behind the scenes was one of the biggest surprises for me.
It reminded me that the things we see as a finished product are often the result of many people working together across different functions. That perspective is something I know I will carry into my own work.
One thing I’m building next: PitchPro
As I move away from my day-to-day work with the Stars of Science team, I’m shifting my focus toward something I have been building myself: PitchPro.
PitchPro is an AI-powered Communication Intelligence platform designed to help people practice and improve their communication in high-stakes situations, including sales conversations, presentations, interviews, and other professional interactions. Users can practice realistic scenarios and receive instant feedback on confidence, clarity, persuasion, storytelling, structure, engagement, and delivery.
In many ways, the work I did during my time with the team has influenced how I think about PitchPro. Working with innovators and seeing how much support goes into helping people communicate their ideas reinforced my belief that having a great idea is only part of the journey. Being able to communicate that idea effectively matters just as much.
One full-circle moment: From learning to building
Perhaps the most special part of this transition is that I am not actually leaving the QSTP ecosystem. I am now part of the current QSTP incubation Fall cohort as a founder.
There is something quite meaningful about going from being part of the team learning from the ecosystem to becoming a founder building within it. My time with Stars of Science gave me the opportunity to see innovation from the perspective of a team supporting entrepreneurs and innovators. Now, through PitchPro, I get to experience that journey from the other side.
I’m grateful to the Stars of Science and QSTP teams for giving me the opportunity to learn, contribute, and take ownership throughout my time with the team. What started as an opportunity to learn has become the beginning of a much longer journey — and I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me.
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