A multi-disciplinary team from Qatar University’s (QU) College of Dental Medicine (CDEM) named ‘AlDentist Team’ wins second place and an incubation fund in the highly competitive Al Fikra competition, which is organized by the Office of Strategic Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development (SIEED) at QU in a strategic partnership with Qatar Development Bank (QDB).
Al Fikra 2022 is a national entrepreneurship competition designed for higher education-led start-up teams to develop their entrepreneurial skills and participate in successful private value-adding businesses.
The AlDentist team made waves in the senior track of the competition, which offers students and faculty members from various universities and higher education institutions in Qatar a rare opportunity to showcase innovative ideas that have the potential to bring about a significant positive impact on the economy and society.
The team from CDEM includes Professor Faleh Tamimi, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tayeb Al Hadeethi, Research Assistant, Dr. Shiraz Salih, Research Assistant, and Eng. Noha Barhom, Learning Support Specialist as well as College of Engineering students, Yousif Yousif, and Abdulla Hossainy.
In a captivating 3-minute pitch, the team mesmerized the judges by presenting their groundbreaking idea that leverages cutting-edge AI technologies such as machine learning and computer vision in dental clinics. Their visionary concept earned them a well-deserved second place in the competition, as well as a coveted incubation fund of 50,000 QAR, to support further development of their innovative idea.
The team’s dedication to providing scientifically based treatment plans for patients and dentists, while streamlining health insurance claim processing, and their success in the competition is a testament to the power of collaboration and translational research in advancing the field of dentistry.
CDEM Dean Prof. Mandeep Duggal commented on the win saying, “This award in a national level competition is a great feather in the cap for the research team, for the College of Dental Medicine, and for QU Health. It showcases our ability to carry out research that will benefit the delivery of high-quality care to patients and will contribute to the vision of the country for innovation and scientific development.”