Gnomon Astrotech eyes school business

Gnomon Astrotech, manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars and educational toys, is targeting school children in Kolkata to grow its sales.

So far, its activities were mainly in Delhi.

The company now plans to reach out to several schools across India.

It would start its activities in Kolkata, targeting school children between classes V and X.

Speaking to Business Standard, Manoj Seth, head-marketing of Gnomon Astrotech, said, "We have bought two domes, each for Rs 70 lakhs, that we will take to schools for children to see and understand astronomy. it will be a similar experience that people get at the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata."

Each dome can accommodate up to 40 students.

The company had earlier run this science and astronomy educational activity in about 108 schools in Delhi, reaching out to 15,000 students.

Besides, the company has also placed orders worth Rs 70 lakhs for educational toys and games, which Gnomon plans to roll out sometime in January next year.

"We have placed orders for 180 educational products. These are being manufactured by Countdown Creations in China, which, at present, supplies products to NASA," said Seth.

The products include entire apparel and footwear range typical of an astronaut.

Besides board games and toys like space shuttles, the company would also roll out merchandise like paper weights which would resemble planet Saturn with rings around it.

In Kolkata, these products will be available at the Wonderland stores and would range between Rs 15 and Rs 1,500.

The company also plans to form a SPACE Astronomy Club in Kolkata for people in their 30s and 40s. The club, for a membership of Rs 800 to Rs 8,000, will teach adults in science and astronomy.

"At present, we are looking for some space in Kolkata where we can set up the club. The club will have binoculars and 10-20 telescopes for adults to learn about astronomy. The club will teach all aspects of astronomy, even telescope manufacturing," said Seth.