Kush Kanodia
Social Entrepreneur
Kush Kanodia is a social entrepreneur creating systemic change to increase inclusion. A strong believer in the social model disability, Kush leverages practical innovations on a huge scale to empower people around the world. He works with organisations ranging from NHS trusts to Parliament to FIFA – focusing on the intersections between disability, technology, sports, health and entrepreneurship.
Originally an investment banker, in 2009 Kush co-founded global diversity NGO Choice International. He also co-founded international tech start-up HeartsMap which connects and empowers local communities and enterprises. For past ten years he has advocated for best practice to reduce barriers and increase opportunit
As a Level Playing Field Trustee, Kush achieved a commitment from all Premier League football clubs to comply with accessibility guidelines from UEFA and the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE). Since 2016, Kush has been CAFE Director and Trustee working for accessible match-day experiences for fans around the world.
Kush’s advice to others wanting to create change is: “Confidence is contagious, so believe in yourself. If you don’t, you can’t really expect anyone else to.”
Kush has recently been appointed as an Ambassador for Disability Rights UK (DRUK) and is a Governor of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. He is leading DRUK’s new campaign to abolish all disabled car parking charges for NHS hospitals in England.
Kush is also Director of Kaleidoscope Investments, Trustee of AbilityNet, Strategic Advisor to the Museum of Happiness, Public Board member for Health Data Research UK and an Advisory Board member to the Global Disability Innovation Hub.
In recognition of his dedication to disability rights work, Kush was selected as a 2012 Paralympic torch bearer and as a role model for government. Last year Parliament recognised him as one of the 10 most influential BAME leaders in technology.
Confidence is Contagious, so Believe in Yourself.
If you don’t, you can’t really expect anyone else to…