Inventors and Entrepreneurs

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Our Scope

Our inventors and entrepreneurs to develop and commercialize new technologies, algorithms, and systems 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

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 […]

Frist Center for Autism & Innovation Convenes Inaugural NeuroCorps Cohort

November 12, 2025

The Frist Center for Autism & Innovation (FCAI) at Vanderbilt University is proud to announce the successful convening of the inaugural NeuroCorps cohort on Monday and Tuesday this week. This brand-new program brings together six neurodivergent leaders, entrepreneurs, and business and non-profit leaders, comprising staff and visiting scholars, to advance neuroinclusion in the workplace and […]

Neurodiverse Technologies Webinar with SANDI Ambassador Jimmy Humphreys NOW AVAILABLE

September 3, 2025

“From Barriers to Freedom: Jimmy’s Neurodivergent Journey to a Driver’s License.” In this powerful session, Jimmy explains why the SANDI Driving Simulator is essential for learners who struggle with traditional driver’s education. He highlights how SANDI provides the structure, practice, and confidence needed to prepare for life behind the wheel. If you missed it, you […]

TONIGHT: Webinar Featuring Neurodiverse Technologies’ Ambassador Jimmy Humphrey

August 26, 2025

🚗 From Barriers to Freedom: A Neurodivergent Journey to a Driver’s License 🚗 ⭐⭐ 6 pm CT TONIGHT! ⭐⭐ Neurodiverse Technologies welcomes its newest ambassador, Jummy Humphrey, to tell the story of his own driving journey in this webinar! Join us as Jimmy shares his remarkable journey to independence. As an autistic individual, Jimmy faced […]

FCAI Fellow Amber Crabtree Featured on CBS This Morning Alongside FCAI

August 1, 2025

We would love to extend our congratulations to Amber Crabtree, PhD Candidate and Neurodiversity Inspired Science and Engineering Fellow at the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, candidly discussing her experience of autism, sensory issues, her research, and the importance of it on CBS’s This Morning. This piece also features the Frist Center Director, Keivan […]

FCAI Partner TACT in Dedicated Episode of Mike Rowe’s New Show “People You Should Know”

May 27, 2025

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 […]

Vanderbilt Magazine Article Tells Story of FCAI and Autism Research

May 24, 2025

We are thrilled to announce the release of an exciting article in Vanderbilt Magazine celebrating the groundbreaking work of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation! By highlighting our mission to empower neurodivergent and autistic individuals and spotlighting the dedication and passion of our director and staff, this article is a testament to the incredible […]

March 31st — Neurodiverse Technologies Open House! Come and Experience SANDI at FCAI!

March 16, 2025

Come to our open house on March 31st to experience SANDI the Simulator for Advanced Neurodivergent Driving Instruction! We are thrilled to invite you to the Neurodiverse Technologies Open House to experience SANDI, our groundbreaking virtual driving simulator designed to make driving education accessible, safe, and anxiety-free for student drivers. Event Details Where: Frist Center […]