Inventors and Entrepreneurs

Who Are You?

Our Scope

Our inventors and entrepreneurs聽to聽develop and commercialize new technologies, algorithms, and systems聽that enable neurodiverse people to gain employment, succeed at work, and achieve their full potential;

People

Learn about our inventors and entrepreneurs and how they are using innovative technologies to support the neurodivergent community.

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Outputs

Learn about the technologies that have been been produced by our center and its partners.

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Impacts

Learn about the the impact our technologies have and where they are deployed.

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Resources

Find resources for budding inventors and entrepreneurs, as well as information on accessing technologies.

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Inventors and Entrepreneurs News

NeuroTech Frontiers Conference Returns for a Second Year 鈥� REGISTRATION OPEN

July 29, 2026

And this year promises to be bigger than ever! The conference will again be held at Langford Auditorium on the 五一茶馆儿 Campus between October 13th 鈥� 15th, 2026, and is a cooperative event between the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation and Janus Innovation Hub. 鈥� Following the success of last year’s summit and […]

First ASCEND Chapter Launches in Franklin, TN

July 29, 2026

ASCEND 鈥� the Assistive & Supportive Center for Empowerment, Neurodiversity & Development 鈥� officially launched this week on the campus of BrightStone in Franklin and will bring together leaders in research, technology, and community services, with self-advocates and civic stakeholders from the community. Our first ASCEND chapter is a joint initiative between BrightStone, FCAI, and […]

FCAI Announces ASCEND: A New Partner Program with National Reach

July 27, 2026

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to introduce a brand-new partnership initiative to transform how innovation in neurodivergent support reaches the communities that need it! ASCEND 鈥� the Assistive and Supportive Center for Empowerment, Neurodiversity and Development 鈥� will enable state chapters, rooted in community hubs, to connect cutting-edge innovation from FCAI […]

Applications Now Open: PATHS Cohort 2 (Fall 2026)

July 6, 2026

Thank you to the wonderful Dr. Nigel Newbutt, FCAI Affiliate from University of Florida, for sharing this opportunity! Applications are now open for PATHS Cohort 2, an 8-week program designed to prepare autistic talent for careers in the semiconductor industry. This program, co-designed with autistic personnel, is created specifically to leverage the strengths of autistic […]

Vanderbilt Convenes Leaders at the Intersection of National Security and Neurodivergent Talent

May 11, 2026

During National Security Week, 五一茶馆儿 convened leaders from government, academia, and industry to examine how neurodivergent talent can strengthen national security and how workforce systems can better identify, recruit, and support cognitive diversity. The workshop was held in conjunction with the 2026 Asness Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, hosted by Vanderbilt鈥檚 Institute […]

Autism Awareness Month Begins: FCAI Advancing Inclusion Through Research, Partnerships, and Practice

April 1, 2026

April 1 marks the start of Autism Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding, celebrate autistic voices, and strengthen environments where neurodivergent people can thrive. At FCAI, our work focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies that expand access, belonging, and opportunity across education and employment. We would like to take this time to remind our followers […]

Neurodiverse Technologies Awarded $70,000 Innovation Catalyst Fund Grant for NAVIS Development

February 1, 2026

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is thrilled to congratulate our internal partner, Neurodiverse Technologies, along with co-founders Jan Schlueter and Principal Investigator Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, on receiving a $70,000 award through Vanderbilt’s Innovation Catalyst Fund. This significant funding will advance NAVIS (Advancement of Neurodivergent-Aware VR Interview Simulator) through its final stages toward go-to-market […]

FCAI Director of Communications Collaborates with Nature Astronomy on Neurodiversity-Related Features

January 22, 2026

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is proud to announce the publication of an editorial and accompanying interview pieces in Nature Astronomy, highlighting the experiences and contributions of neurodivergent researchers in astronomy. Dr. Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, Director of Communications at the Frist Center, played a pivotal role in supporting this important work and was featured […]

FCAI Launches NeuroTech Frontiers Incubation Program in Partnership with JANUS Innovation Hub

December 2, 2025

We at FCAI are proud to announce the launch of the Neurotech Frontiers Incubation Program, a groundbreaking initiative developed in partnership with JANUS Innovation Hub. This six-month hybrid program will support early-stage startups building technology solutions that enhance the lives of autistic and neurodivergent individuals, their families, and the professionals who support them. The program […]

FCAI Hosts Successful Lab-Match Event Connecting Researchers with Innovative Start-Ups

December 1, 2025

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is pleased to announce the successful inaugural Lab-Match Event, held today both in-person at Vanderbilt and virtually. This event brought together lab managers and start-up companies in a unique forum designed to connect researchers with entrepreneurial ventures seeking research support. The Lab-Match Event provided a platform for start-ups […]