Abdulaziz Abdulla from Qatar shows his teams project that can convert sugary remnants into ethanol. PICTURE: Joey Aguilar

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

 Students participating at the 5th Intel Science Competition Arab World 2014 have produced promising and innovative projects that were displayed to the public yesterday at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

Many of the projects focused more in helping to preserve the environment, contributing to medical and health breakthroughs, and improving learning environments for students including those with learning difficulties.

Abdulaziz Abdulla, a student from Qatar, told Gulf Times that their project recycles sugary remnants to produce ethanol, a substance that can be used as an alternative for fossil fuel.

Abdulla and his team had started working on the project last year, aimed at helping to protect the environment by producing clean energy.

He said they thought of converting waste and leftover sugars to produce ethanol.

“It is something that is not expensive,” he stressed. “There is no need to buy sugar.”

The Qatari student said they sought the help of their Chemistry teacher especially in doing research works.

A Tunisian lab technician also volunteered to help them produce the equipment since many of the parts are not available in Qatar.

Asked about their plans after the competition, Abdulla said they hope to find companies such as Qatar Petroleum, Rasgas, among others who are interested on their project.

“If they take our project, we can build it on a country scale. It will make Qatar one of the best countries in the world which produces ethanol and fossil fuel,” he stressed.

Other projects include treating of (“valorization”) toxic gases produced by industries into “Green Pollution” or non harmful substances; creating a gadget (known as international medical unit) which provides accurate information about the medical history of persons; and some research to better treat tuberculosis.

Another team of students had presented a portable kidney – an alternative for a dialysis machine which can be used anywhere by the patient.

The team believes the device will change the lives of many people who have chronic kidney diseases and have a tough time dealing with fixed scheduled treatments.

A total of 58 projects have been installed at QNCC during the three-day event. The competition had gathered more than 100 students from nine countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Winners were awarded yesterday at the closing ceremony.

In a press statement, Qatar Foundation said the event aims to empower Arab students with skills and greater proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math subjects.

Intel Corporation (Ltd.), the Research and Development Division of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and Qatar’s Supreme Education Council have jointly organised the three-day competition aimed at Grade nine to 12 students.