Our Story
Over nearly a decade, BLINC has undergone a remarkable evolution, transcending its origins as a philanthropic endeavor to emerge as the "Face of Space in the MENA region" and a beacon of TechEd innovation, boldly propelling the MENA region to the final frontier. From humble beginnings, our philanthropic initiatives in Space and STEAM outreach, including programs in refugee camps, laid the foundation for a transformative journey. Today, BLINC stands as one of the premier brands pioneering access to the Aerospace industry, spearheading human spaceflight training scholarships and Astronautics training in a sustainable, profitable, and inclusive manner. Our trajectory embodies a commitment to innovation, diversity, and social impact, as we continue to push the boundaries of possibility and inspire generations to reach for the stars.
The Early Days
Meet Bodoor. She wants to be an astronaut and Aerospace Engineer. We met at the Relief International Center in the Azraq Syrian Refugee camp in Jordan in 2018. Bodoor is passionate about science and space. And on our recent trip across 4 different continents, we had the opportunity to meet more inspiring kids like her.
Their trek across weeks and months of dangerous Syrian deserts to the safety of refugee camps in Jordan include stories that would make the toughest soldier blush. As one of the kids we met described it so accurately: “We’re living in a Mad Max present but we aspire to a Star Trek Future”
But how did we get here?
Borderless Labs Inc (BLinc) was founded in 2015 by our founder Malik (Mac) Malkawi, a Business Man-Child with two obsessive passions; Philanthropy and STEAM & Space Education
Our mission is to create online educational video content and maker facilities to give under-served students, like Bodoor, the tools and skills they need to learn and create sustainable progress for themselves and the world around them.
The educational content will be in multiple languages, so that students can learn in their native language and excel where it matters most, right in their own communities. By opening maker facilities or labs without borders we’re not only going to provide them with curriculums, computers, copiers and paper printers, but 3D printers, telescopes, microscopes, kits, models, fully equipped labs and real life challenges. We will be able to connect and collaborate from multiple continents and in space and together tackle the challenges and questions that will advance humanity forward.
In 2018 we traveled to the Azraq and Zaatari Syrian refugee camps and the Souf Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan to hopefully make this dream a reality for these kids.Their love for STEM/STEAM is not only a passion but an escape from their current harsh reality. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
We believe students can use:
Science to understand the world around them,
Math to measure the world around them,
Engineering to improve the world around them
Art to express themselves in the world
and Technology to do all of that and more at the same time.
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This is why everyone deserves to have opportunities in STEAM. With the help of Partner organizations like Relief International, UNISEF, and Questscope, STEAM CURES, and others, these kids have the space to learn in school, continue remedial education, and have opportunities to engage in STEAM.
Think about this for a moment. Imagine how many poets, musicians, scientists and inspirational figures there could have been if privilege wasn’t a contributing factor to success. How many of the world’s finest talent has gone undiscovered? I mean... How do you even begin to quantify that?
Right in these refugee camps, there could be the next Beethoven, Picasso, or Vincent van Gogh. The next Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, or even Michael Jordan could be right here. The next Carl Sagan, Neil Armstrong, or Anousheh Ansari. The next Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, or Pink! If Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Richard Branson had their start in a place like this I’m sure their stories would’ve turned out VERY different. Follow us... Let’s find out together what we can discover when we offer opportunity to amazing talent regardless of where it comes from!
When the masses are looking to politicians to provide food and shelter, we are supporting these few that are asking for something entirely different. They seek knowledge and scientific opportunity. They are inspired by online videos of humanity’s future in Space.
I mean these kids see the starry night sky every night as it was meant to be seen without the light pollution of cities. Most of us will spend an entire lifetime and never get to experience that. And They are inspired by what could be out there. Given the opportunity what amazing things can they create and discover?
We are starting off with some pretty amazing and inspiring projects. How about science and research that’s never been done before on the face of this whole planet!
For one of our first projects we have developed a program to design, build, test, and launch a CubeSat INTO SPACE! And it's a first of its kind contribution to science and humanity. These tiny spacecraft can be used for hundreds of purposes such as holding solar panels, batteries, cameras, and science experiments. And we want to demonstrate the possibility of harnessing resources in space.This will not be done by the space agencies of the world. Not by NASA, ESA or JAXA but by you and by kids, students, by refugees.
Sustainable Impact
So how is this actually going to make a difference?
We believe that the skills necessary to design, build, test, and launch a spacecraft are not just restricted to spaceflight. Students can use those skills to change their lives, have successful careers, provide for their families and communities, and progress humanity forward.
We have long term plans for many more spacecraft projects as well as engineering projects, science experiments, art competitions, and most importantly to share the experience every step of the way with everyone worldwide.
We want the worlds Ivy League universities to not only believe in these kids but to fight over who’s going to give them scholarships. We want the scientific community to not only acknowledge their teachers research, but for the journals to fight over who’s going to publish them. And we want their culture and society to stop reminiscing over the nostalgia of what their ancestors once were 1000 years ago as pioneers of science, and celebrate the triumphs of their modern day heroes.
Think of the army of citizen scientists that can come out of not only giving a few telescopes to these kids, but by building a modern Observatory for the descendants of the people who taught us to chart the stars.
You will be amazed by how little it takes to accomplish all of this.
This is very inspiring and all, but in order to create a sustainable program that not only educates, but produces real scientific results, that’s where you come in.
You can help make a difference in these students lives. The Pyramids weren’t built in a day and in order to have the tools and facilities necessary for this project we need your help. For just $1 a month you can enable underserved students the opportunities to excel in STEM/STEAM.
Be The Change by becoming an Everyday Philanthropist.
We are Borderless Labs. And together we can GO MAKE SOMETHING!!!