Inventors and Entrepreneurs

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

Outputs

Impacts

Resources

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

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

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

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

Inventors and Entrepreneurs News

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…

Media Covers $7 Million in Canceled Grants to FCAI

March 13, 2025

Due to funding cuts to the National Science Foundation made after the executive orders in the last several weeks, FCAI has lost $7 million in expected federal grant funding, and along with it some of our cornerstone programs for national impact. The $7 million in funding had been rigorously reviewed by NSF and was authorized…

Salon Series Lunch and Learn Tomorrow — REGISTER NOW!

January 30, 2025

Tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 31, the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation will welcome a team of investors from A.E., a venture capital group and startup incubator team that has built a substantial venture capital fund specifically for projects/products that pertain to autism/neurodiversity and that may have commercial potential. As part of the Frist Center’s interest…

Applications Now Open for Aspie Bootcamp: Python 2025

January 23, 2025

The Frist Center for Autism and Innovation is pleased to announce that applications are open for the fourth year of our summer program Aspie Bootcamp: Python — our free, virtual, summer coding camp. This bootcamp is a great way to become eligible for future internship and employment opportunities with employers who seek job candidates that…

FCAI Program and Communications Coordinator Launches Non-Profit at the Intersection of Neurodiversity and Space Science: The Neuroverse Initiative

October 2, 2024

We are thrilled to share that our Program and Communications manager, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, launched her non-profit, The Neuroverse Initiative (TNI), last week. This unique initiative operates at the intersection of space science and neurodiversity, with a mission to support neurodivergent space scientists in training, research, and advocacy. The mission statement of the new non-profit reads:…

WEBINAR ANNOUNCEMENT: INDK Filmmakers Meeting to Discuss New Educational Tool

November 7, 2023

The Frist Center team are so excited to announce our November Webinar. The team from “In A Different Key” the movie, will be joining us to discuss their new toolkit, designed to support understanding around autism. The In A Different Key movie is available on PBS for free, and the toolkit contains discussion booklets and…

SDSU and Vanderbilt Driving Training Program Featured on Fox 5 San Diego

November 4, 2023

On November 4th, 2023, Fox 5 San Diego visited the NSF funded Vanderbilt and San Diego State partnership program for new driver training for people with autism. This AI-based program, which the NSF has funded, teaches potential drivers everything they need to know about driving before getting on the road, with lessons involving virtual reality…