Partners
Partners
The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is working with major local, national, and international partners. Here we provide information and links to our Employment Assessment and Referral partners, High School and College Pipeline partners, Major Area Employer partners, and Community partners. We also partner to support start-up ventures, these companies are included on this page but you can also learn about them here.
News From Our Partners
Join Us: Rockin’ Neurodiverse Employment in Music City USA
The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is excited to invite you to an upcoming event focused on advancing neurodiverse employment opportunities in Middle Tennessee. On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 8:30 AM, join us for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Talent Solutions Forum’s special presentation: Rockin’ Neurodiverse Employment in Music City, USA. This…
Read MoreNeurotech Rising and the Autistic Founders Rewriting the Autism Story by Aras Sheikhi
There’s a quiet revolution happening, one that hums in code, glows on phone screens, and whispers in startup pitch decks. It’s where artificial intelligence meets autism innovation, where founders with lived experience are shaping the tools that once shaped them. Let’s call it what it is: Neurotech Rising. When AI learns empathy (kind of) For…
Read MoreFrom Amazon to Autism Tech: Vijay Ravindran’s Journey to Founding Floreo
Vijay Ravindran is an engineer, a leader, and a CEO. At the heart of all those titles is his most significant role: a father. When his son was diagnosed with autism, Vijay responded in a way that came most naturally to him: by building a solution. That solution became Floreo, a clinically designed immersive virtual…
Read MoreCountdown to the Neurotech Frontiers Summit: Empowering Neurodiverse Innovation
In just four days, the Neurotech Frontiers Summit, presented by the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University, will make its way to Nashville from October 10th to October 20th. This year’s theme, “Shaping the future of Assistive and Inclusive Technology,” brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, and neurodivergent leaders shaping inclusivity and creating innovation…
Read MoreFCAI Partner TACT in Dedicated Episode of Mike Rowe’s New Show “People You Should Know”
We are so excited to share that TACT, one of our partner organizations, is featured in a dedicated episode of Mike Rowe’s new show, “People You Should Know.” Watching this episode will give you a tour around TACT’s new 19,000 sqft facility, introduce you to some of the many awesome students that TACT train, and…
Read MoreFCAI Partner Mentra Hosting Unique Neurodiversity Innovation Summit! Register now!
We are so excited for on of our partner organizations in neurodiversity workforce growth, Mentra, to be hosting this unique summit! See below for their message! The workforce is changing. Will you be part of the movement? This May 29–30 in San Francisco, Mentra is bringing together 100+ leaders from Google, Salesforce, EY, Dropbox, and…
Read MoreTemple Grandin to Speak at Vanderbilt University – Register Now!
We are so excited to announce that the one and only Temple Grandin will be visiting Nashville on May 30th and speaking to an audience on Vanderbilt University Campus! Don’t miss your chance to come and hear from Temple herself in this event titled “Autism: The Way I See It” on May 30th, where Temple…
Read MoreAutism Tennessee Announce Their 2025 Volunteer Open House
On Monday, May 24th, 2025, our partners, Autism Tennessee, will be hosting their 2025 volunteer Open House, where visitors will be able to connect with their programs, meet current volunteers and facilitators, and AutismTN staff to learn more about how to make them part of your volunteer journey in 2025! Event Details 🗓️ Date: May…
Read MoreAutism Tennessee Present Online Workshop: Mastering Budgeting and Financial Planning Essentials
On Monday, May 19th, 2025, our partners, Autism Tennessee, will be hosting a training from their ACE’ing the Spectrum series, presented by Cornerstone: Financial Strategies Group. This training is “Mastering Budgeting and Financial Planning Essentials,” held online only via Zoom. It will cover basic concepts for financial empowerment and is intended for anyone starting to…
Read MoreBuilding a More Inclusive World: How Dylan Makani is Transforming Assistive Tech
In a world where communication is at the forefront of connection, Dylan Makani is reimagining what accessibility looks like. As the co-founder of Ner Chat, Dylan is making incredible and transformative shifts in assistive technology. Drawing from his unique perspectives and background in neuroscience and investment banking, he has created a platform that has empowered…
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