The solar-powered cooled helmet designed and developed in Qatar by Qatar University, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and Aspire Zone has generated global interest since making the news earlier this year, according to the Doha-based team in charge of the innovative concept which can reduce the skin temperature of construction workers by up to ten degrees centigrade.

"There is a global demand, because there is a worldwide need for such technology. The safety of workers in hot climates is something that is a priority in countries across the world, and it is very rewarding to see that the research we have conducted here in Qatar together with the SC can fulfil a global need," said Dr. Saud Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Ghani, Professor at the College of Engineering at Qatar University.

Interest in the helmet has been registered from all corners of the world.

"We have had interest from Spain, from a company specialised in kit for the protection of workers, and another from Holland. We've seen that locally in Qatar a lot of companies have approached us, in the region as well as there was interest from the UAE in the oil and gas sector, where they were looking to combat heat stress for workers and wanted to make them work in safer conditions," Dr. Saud added.

"After our concept made the news in many different countries earlier this year, we've had contacts from all over the world. A construction company from South Korea got in touch, saying they were really interested and wanted to trial the helmet and give us their feedback. We've had companies in Egypt, India and Mexico reaching out to us.

"I believe this could revolutionise the industry globally, and change the way in which construction work in hot climates is conducted. This is already proving to be a legacy of 2022, because the impulse of the tournament is helping to drive innovation forward in the region."

This week, the cooled helmets are on display at the QITCOM summit 'Qatar – Towards a smart future', and Dr Saud concluded that the digital conference was another opportunity to showcase the technology and interact with leading industry experts.

"QITCOM is a fantastic opportunity to display this innovation and get more stakeholders to see the cooled helmets," he continued. "We can also look to take the next step with these helmets and make them smarter, so that they can also incorporate extended healthcare.

"The conference and the Qatar Smart Program – Tasmu, showcases that we are working in line with the future development of the country towards a smart, innovative and digital economy."