From astrophysics to entrepreneurship, Garima Malik is taking astronomy out of the classroom and into the real world. Through Labrynthe, her astronomy education venture, she is creating immersive experiences that encourage children to observe, question and explore the universe beyond their textbooks.
For many children, astronomy begins and ends with a chapter in a science textbook — planets, stars, the solar system and perhaps a few diagrams of distant galaxies. For Garima Malik, an astrophysicist, educator and entrepreneur, that need not be the case.
Through Labrynthe, Malik is working to make astronomy a more experiential form of learning. Her initiative brings planetarium shows, telescope observations, astronomy clubs, rocketry workshops, Olympiads, STEM activities and teacher training programmes to schools.
Her larger idea is simple: curiosity can be the beginning of scientific thinking.
“If we can inspire children to look up at the stars today, they may become the scientists, engineers and explorers of tomorrow,” says Malik.
From Astrophysics to Entrepreneurship
Malik’s entrepreneurial journey was shaped, somewhat unexpectedly, by something she discovered late.
She found astronomy only after completing school. The experience left her wondering how different her own journey might have been had she encountered the subject earlier.
That question eventually became the foundation for Labrynthe.
“I kept wondering why students weren’t exposed to this fascinating subject much earlier,” she recalls. “If I had found astronomy sooner, my own journey might have begun much earlier too.”
The idea gained greater urgency as she interacted with students and saw their enthusiasm for space science. Many had never looked through a telescope or experienced the night sky beyond what they had encountered in their textbooks.
For Malik, the gap was not a lack of curiosity. It was a lack of access.
Taking Astronomy Beyond the Classroom
Labrynthe works with schools to create hands-on learning experiences around astronomy and STEM.
Its programmes include mobile planetarium shows, telescope observation sessions, astronomy clubs, rocketry workshops, Olympiads and teacher training programmes.
The objective is to transform astronomy from something students simply study into something they can experience.
“The goal is to ensure that children don’t just read about the universe — they experience it,” Malik says.
This approach also reflects a broader shift in education, where experiential learning is increasingly being seen as a way to encourage questioning, experimentation and problem-solving.
For Malik, however, the philosophy is rooted in something more fundamental: curiosity.
The Challenge of Building Something New
Building an education-focused startup has not been without its challenges.
One of Malik’s biggest hurdles was convincing schools and stakeholders that astronomy should not be viewed merely as an extracurricular activity.
She believes the subject can play a larger role in developing critical thinking, curiosity and scientific temperament among young learners.
Like many entrepreneurs, she also had to navigate uncertainty and limited resources while introducing an idea that was still relatively unfamiliar to many institutions.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Labrynthe’s work centred around schools and physical experiences, the disruption posed a significant challenge.
“There were moments when I questioned whether we could continue,” Malik admits.
Rather than stepping away, she adapted the model. Astronomy sessions moved online and virtual learning experiences were developed to keep students engaged.
The period became an important lesson in resilience.
“It taught me resilience and adaptability,” she says.
When Saturn’s Rings Become a Memory
For Malik, success isn’t measured only through conventional milestones.
Her most rewarding moments often happen when a child looks through a telescope and sees Saturn’s rings for the first time, or launches a rocket that they have built themselves.
Those moments, she says, represent the real impact of her work.
The expressions on students’ faces, she believes, can be more meaningful than an award or professional recognition.
Knowing that Labrynthe has helped thousands of children develop an interest in science has reinforced her belief that education can influence the direction of a young person’s future.
The Entrepreneurial Lesson Behind the Idea
One of Malik’s early assumptions was that a good idea would naturally find its audience.
Entrepreneurship taught her otherwise.
Innovation, she realised, needs to be accompanied by communication, persistence and trust-building.
That understanding changed how she approached growth and became one of the most important lessons of her entrepreneurial journey.
It also changed her understanding of leadership.
“Leadership is about inspiring people, embracing uncertainty, and continuing to move forward even when the path isn’t clearly visible,” she says.
Lessons for Every Delhi Girl
For women considering entrepreneurship, Malik’s advice is straightforward.
First, believe in your idea before others do.
Second, stay consistent, because meaningful success is usually built through small, sustained efforts rather than overnight breakthroughs.
And third, never stop learning.
For Malik, curiosity isn’t simply a personality trait. It is a professional advantage.
“If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to start earlier and trust yourself more,” she says. “You don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step.”
She believes women entrepreneurs should cultivate resilience, curiosity, empathy, adaptability and confidence — qualities that become particularly important when navigating uncertainty.
Financial Independence Is About Freedom
For Malik, financial independence goes beyond earning an income.
She describes it as the freedom to make decisions based on one’s vision rather than one’s circumstances.
That independence, she believes, allows women to pursue their ambitions with greater confidence while creating opportunities for others.
It is a perspective that also informs her own entrepreneurial journey: building a business that is commercially sustainable while serving an educational purpose.
Finding Balance in a Demanding Career
The idea of work-life balance, Malik says, should not be confused with dividing every day into equal portions.
“Balance isn’t about dividing time equally every day — it’s about being fully present wherever you are.”
Some days demand greater professional attention, while on others, family takes precedence.
For her, balance is therefore dynamic rather than perfect.
Mental well-being also remains an important part of sustaining an entrepreneurial journey.
“Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint,” she says, adding that taking care of one’s mental health helps entrepreneurs remain creative, make better decisions and sustain their passion.
When she needs to recharge, Malik turns to the night sky, books on astronomy, travel and nature.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, looking at the universe offers her a useful reminder of perspective.
Why Delhi Matters to Her
Delhi occupies an important place in Malik’s personal and professional journey.
She sees the city as one that offers women entrepreneurs access to educational institutions, diverse communities, professional networks and an energetic startup ecosystem.
Her favourite place in the city is North Campus, which she describes simply as “the place that shaped me”.
At the same time, she believes more can be done to strengthen the ecosystem for women-led ventures.
Greater access to mentorship, funding and networking opportunities, she says, could encourage more women to transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
Building India’s Next Generation of Space Explorers
The next phase for Labrynthe is focused on expansion.
Malik plans to take its astronomy education programmes to more schools, introduce additional immersive STEM experiences, strengthen institutional partnerships and develop initiatives that can make space science accessible to students across India.
Her five-year vision is ambitious: she wants Labrynthe to emerge as one of India’s leading astronomy education organisations and inspire millions of students through experiential learning.
More importantly, she hopes to change how children perceive science.
Not simply as a subject to study for an examination, but as an adventure worth pursuing.
Garima Malik’s Rapid Fire
Tea or Coffee?
Adrak wali chai.
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Both, as required.
One book every woman should read?
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.
One podcast or creator you recommend?
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk.
One app you can’t live without?
Instagram.
Favourite place in Delhi?
North Campus — the place that shaped me.
One woman who inspires you?
My mother.
One word that defines your journey?
Curiosity.
Success mantra?
“Stay curious, stay consistent, and never stop exploring.”
The Woman Looking Up
Garima Malik’s story is ultimately about more than astronomy.
It is about recognising a gap and deciding to do something about it. It is about turning a personal realisation into an educational mission, adapting when circumstances change and holding on to curiosity even while building a business.
In a city known for its ambitions, Malik’s journey offers a reminder that entrepreneurship need not always begin with a commercial opportunity. Sometimes, it can begin with a question.
For Malik, that question was simple: What if children discovered the universe a little earlier?
Through Labrynthe, she is attempting to find the answer — one telescope, one planetarium show and one curious young mind at a time.
