Nilesh Makwana

CEO / Public interest technologist / Social innovator

Nilesh is co-founder and CEO of illuminance Solutions, a national technology company and Microsoft Global Partner for Social Impact. With his business partner, Vincent Lam, Nilesh has built a high-performing team that is, arguably, one of the most diverse workplaces in Australia. In addition to technology consulting and professional services, the company has created software products to fill a gap in support for those living with disability, Indigenous Native title trusts and corporations, and the elderly.

Nilesh’s philanthropic activities are driven by a focus on empathy and creating social impact for the betterment of society. He has worked tirelessly to eliminate the digital literacy gap in Indigenous communities and throughout regional Western Australia by providing countless hours of free technical training. Nilesh is the founder of West Tech Assemblage, an event for tech leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators to promote cross-industry collaboration.

Nilesh is known for bringing business, government, academia and community together for the mutual benefit of all parties. He has forged strong relationships with elected members at the local, state and national level to further his programs for workplace diversity. He has formed joint partnerships with universities to eliminate “digital poverty” in Western Australia.

To fulfil his personal philosophy of “living life with purpose every day”, Nilesh dedicates time to several boards and committees, speaks frequently on the topics of workplace diversity and social inclusion, and participates in diplomatic activities to bring Australia and his home country of India closer together. Nilesh is also a frequent media commentator in local, state, and national publications.