Mallikarjuna Iytha is the Founder & CEO of the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), a social enterprise that aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society for people with disabilities. With over 20 years of experience in the development sector and Fair Trade, he specializes in poverty alleviation, market development for pro-poor micro-enterprises, and sustainable consumption.

A core team member of Ekal Sansthan and Ekal Gramottan Foundation, contributing to grassroots initiatives that uplift rural areas, he has co-founded Believe India Fair Trade, a platform for social enterprises, and authored five books on development issues. He has received prestigious awards, such as the “Pillar of Civil Society in India” from the Honorable President of India.