Nikhil Autar

Diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of 17, Nikhil Autar has undergone chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, open heart surgery and survives a life-threatening chronic illness.

Nikhil created Knia Maps – ‘Know In Advance Maps’ – which has plotted disability accessibility routes at major Sydney hospitals, universities, public venues and transport, plus hundreds of small businesses.

Nikhil also founded Bheem Health, a social enterprise that provides low-cost medical devices for sick and vulnerable people. His first device, BheemUP, allows any bed to convert into a hospital bed. He’s now developing BheemSense, the world's first sensor mat that tracks sleep phases and helps minimise pressure sores. Whilst still a medical student, Nikhil has raised almost $500,000 for medical device research.

In 2024 Nikhil was awarded as the NSW Young Australian on the Year.