The HundrED Spotlight initiative invited submissions from diverse sectors, including public and private schools, museums, NGOs, communities, and companies. This year, 101 innovative solutions were published for review. Many submissions focused on teaching STEM, general subjects, reading, and Arabic language and culture. Following a rigorous evaluation process, ten standout innovations were selected for their exceptional impact and scalability.
“We’re excited to see an overall increase in innovation across the education sector,” said Lasse Leponiemi, Executive Director at HundrED. “Many of the innovations presented this year embrace a more holistic and inclusive approach to learning, reflecting global trends in education. Notably, the use of educational technology and AI stood out as transformative tools. Most importantly, these innovations demonstrate a commitment to making learning culturally relevant and meaningful.”
Qatar’s dedication to high-quality education is evidenced by its impressive performance in global education indices and its significant investments in the sector. The nation allocates approximately 10% of its national budget to education, aligning with its commitment to sustainable development. This investment is yielding tangible results, positioning Qatar as a leader in the field.
“The HundrED Spotlight provides a platform for local educators to gain recognition and expand their impact within Qatar and beyond,” said Maryam H. Al-Hajri, Director of Partnerships at Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships division. “Our goal is to foster collaboration and co-creation among schools locally and internationally. By celebrating these innovations, we bring the education community together to honour the incredible work happening across classrooms today.”
Since 2019, the Qatar Foundation has partnered with HundrED to champion education innovation. HundrED, a global non-profit organisation based in Finland, is dedicated to improving K-12 education by identifying, amplifying, and supporting the implementation of impactful, scalable, and effective educational practices worldwide.
The innovations selected for the HundrED Spotlight on Qatar 2025
Comic Al-Aloom aims to increase engagement in science education by harnessing the power of comics to make complex concepts accessible and engaging for diverse learners. Through humor and storytelling, it sparks curiosity and fosters transformative learning, aligning with key educational theories.
CyberSecurity Curricula Education
This pioneering project educates children and adolescents in Qatar about digital safety and cybersecurity concepts. Sponsored by the National Agency for Cyber Security, it is the first initiative of its kind in the region, aiming to promote digital awareness across all school age groups.
Enhancing STEM Learning through VR & AR Technology
This innovation leverages VR and AR technologies to offer immersive 3D experiences, enabling students to better understand complex and abstract STEM concepts. By interacting with simulations intuitively, learners develop a deeper comprehension of challenging topics.
Jothoor Al-Arabiya is a dynamic Arabic language program designed for native and non-native children aged 3 to 15. It builds skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening through personalized learning, incremental progression, self-directed study, and spaced repetition.
Moza Ambassadors aims to cultivate global thinkers and problem-solvers equipped with critical, creative, and collaborative skills aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative seeks to create sustainable impacts and foster a more empathetic and connected world.
Qesasjeh transforms the way children engage with reading and learning, aiming to improve literacy rates, particularly in underserved communities where access to books and educational resources is limited.
Race of Geniuses is a multi-stage scientific competition where teams debate key problems, engage in tech-driven challenges, and collaborate on sustainable development projects, fostering critical thinking and innovative problem-solving.
Ramadan A–Z introduces key vocabulary to explore Qatari and Islamic customs during the holy month. The English version supports non-observers by linking transliterated Arabic words to cultural practices, while the Arabic version deepens understanding for observers through meaningful exploration of Ramadan’s spirit.
Torba Market Junior Stall Holder
Founded in 2017, Torba Market Junior empowers children as young as five to explore entrepreneurship by creating and selling their own handcrafted products. This initiative nurtures creativity, confidence, and business acumen in young learners
The Wadeh Education Channel delivers high-quality Arabic content in science and math, with over 13 million views on YouTube. This accessible platform supports learners by providing engaging and reliable educational resources.
