Salik Riyaz

Salik Riyaz, fondly known as Astro Salik, is the visionary founder of Zoonigia—a transformative initiative dedicated to making frontier sciences accessible to all through immersive and hands-on STEAM education. With a commitment to bridging gaps in underrepresented regions, Salik launched Zoonigia to empower young minds to explore, innovate, and dive deep into the cutting-edge fields of science, technology, discovery, arts, and philosophy.

Salik’s journey has been marked by meaningful mentorship, interdisciplinary research, and collaborations with organizations like ISRO, where he gained valuable research experience, as well as partnerships with global networks such as the International Astronomical Collaboration (IAC). He has also mentored a lot of students in their innovations. His mission is clear: to dismantle barriers in STEAM and bring real-world, experiential learning opportunities that kindle curiosity and creativity among students.

Zoonigia is more than an educational platform; it’s a pioneering movement that combines interactive learning with practical engagement in areas such as astrophysics, quantum mechanics, AI, literature, and philosophy. Under Salik’s guidance, Zoonigia offers students unique opportunities to participate in global research projects, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a lifelong passion and career for exploration across disciplines.

Recently, Zoonigia has broadened its reach with initiatives that celebrate emerging talent across diverse fields,by providing platforms for recognition, skill-building, and professional growth. From innovative labs and tech-driven programs to creative and literary showcases, Zoonigia champions excellence across multiple domains, giving candidates the tools to realize their potential.

Through interactive workshops, dedicated mentorship, and impactful collaborations, Salik’s vision for Zoonigia is to create a dynamic community of thinkers, creators, and leaders equipped to shape the future. This initiative is not just about learning—it’s about transforming how we connect with and contribute to the world around us. Salik invites collaborators, educators, and enthusiasts to join him in empowering young minds and transforming STEAM education for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Some other information:

• Awarded with Rank 1 in Astronomy Olympiads.
• Team leader of International team at IASC with Asteroid discovery by his team.
• Research on Gel issue in Hypergolic Propulsion at ISRO.