Trailblazing doctor and accessibility pioneer dies at the age of 32

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 17:00

The Sydney man achieved numerous feats in his life despite significant challenges.

Former NSW Young Australian of the Year Nikhil Autar has died at the age of 32.

The doctor, cancer survivor and writer achieved numerous feats in his life despite a number of significant challenges.

Autar was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 17 during his HSC year.

Former NSW Young Australian of the Year Nikhil Autar has died at the age of 32.

He also underwent chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and open heart surgery.

Despite this, he went on to graduate from medicine at the University of Western Sydney and was named the NSW Young Australian of the Year for 2024.

Autar also created the phone app Knia (Know In Advance) Maps to improve accessibility for people living with disabilities.

Nikhil Autar studied to become a doctor and invented a new hospital bed design.

The app plotted accessibility at major Sydney hospitals, universities, public venues and transport as well as hundreds of small businesses.

He also founded the social enterprise Bheem Health, which provides low-cost medical devices to sick and vulnerable people.

His first device, called BheemUP, allowed any bed to convert into a hospital bed.

Another project was a world-first sensor mat that tracked sleep phases and minimised pressure sores for patients.

Former NSW Young Australian of the Year Nikhil Autar pictured with fellow 2024 recipients Angus Olsen, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, Professor Georgina Long AO and John Ward.

Autar also raised almost $500,000 for pressure sore and medical device research.

Former Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer and his wife Dr Katie Nicoll are among hundreds of people paying tribute to Autar.

"We are deeply saddened following the passing of Nikhil Autar, a remarkable Australian who showed us all the importance of living with compassion, kindness, and a never-ending commitment to helping others," the couple said on social media.

"Richard and I had the pleasure of meeting Nikhil and his family at the 2024 NSW Australian of the Year Awards, and then spent a wonderful few days with them in Canberra at the national awards.

"Nikhil's determination and courage, coupled with his humility and wonderful sense of humour, shone brightly."

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