Start-Up Support
At the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, we are passionate about partnering with big and small startup companies that champion autism and neurodiversity.
By collaborating with startups, we aim to develop groundbreaking solutions that enhance the quality of life for those with autism and promote awareness and understanding within the broader community.
Diverse perspectives drive innovation and creativity, and we foster an inclusive environment that celebrates the unique talents of autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Our partnerships empower entrepreneurs to tap into the incredible potential of neurodiverse talent and pave the way for advancements that can transform lives. Together, we are creating a future where autism is embraced and celebrated in every sphere of society.
Below you will find a list of companies we have partnered with to support either their inception or projects within them; we are so proud of each of these collaborations.
Auticon empowers organizations to become authentically neuroinclusive by delivering expert guidance and exceptional IT solutions from our own neurodivergent talent.
Media Appearance
CBS Mornings - How people with autism are navigating pandemic-forced routine disruption
AIF are investors, entrepreneurs, human resource professionals, scientists, researchers, and physicians committed to identifying unmet needs across the continuum of autism and deploying venture capital to fuel solutions to those needs.
Read the latest news from the Autism Impact Fund
EY's purpose is to build a better working world. The insights and quality services they provide help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. They develop outstanding leaders who aim to deliver on their promises to all their stakeholders. In so doing, EY play a critical role in building a better working world for their people, for their clients and for their communities.
Floreo uses virtual reality to teach social, communication, behavioral, and life skills to neurodiverse individuals and others who can benefit from practicing these skills. Floreo's immersive VR experiences are based on established, science-backed techniques and are designed to be used in therapy, educational, or family settings.
FCAI Director Keivan Stassun (Left) and Floreo CEO Vijay Ravindran (Right) presenting at the Enabling Technology Innovation Summit.
The Friendship Foundation is a vibrant beacon of support for families with children and young adults, ages 8-35+, who live with disabilities. They create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can thrive through engaging activities like sports, art, music, and a variety of social programs—all designed to foster connection and camaraderie among peers.
News Article
Click below for a Los Angeles Business Journal article describing the Friendship Foundation - including their partnership with the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation.
Impruvon Health brought to you by Impruvon℠, a health technology company dedicated to creating solutions for IDD Residential, Senior Living, and Behavioral Health Teams to improve the efficiency of healthcare work flows, restore independence for residents and safeguard lives.
Read the latest news from Impruvon
Jobs for Humanity paves the way to a fairer future for all by connecting historically underrepresented talent to welcoming employers.
Recent Support
Jobs for Humanity Releases Impact Report; Work Supported by Associate Director Dave Caudel.
Mentra is a hiring platform for neurodivergent individuals. Mentra exists not only to help job seekers with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other forms of neurodivergence find the right career fit, but to help companies discover an untapped talent pool that has been proven to fuel growth. They believe in the neuroexceptional strength of our candidates.
5-Step Guide to Company-Wide Neuroincusion
Ner Chat is an assistive technology app designed to enhance communication for individuals with speech and communication challenges, particularly those with special needs, by providing an accessible platform for augmented and alternative communication (AAC) messaging, allowing them to interact digitally with greater independence and autonomy.
Try Ner Chat Free
Try Ner Chat free for 30 days!
The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), a Benefit Corporation, creates jobs for individuals across a broad range of disabilities. Initially, the company is focused on working with those impacted by autism and other neurodiversities. The national company provides industry best practices for delivering administrative and technology services in a nurturing and team-based environment. TPI is heavily committed to creating jobs for neurodiverse adults in all of the markets we serve.
Chancellor Daniel Diermeier delivers remarks at an event announcing the expansion of The Precisionists, Inc., in the Nashville area. The event was hosted by the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt on Sept. 19. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)
TennesseeWorks (TW) is a statewide partnership of agencies and organizations with one goal: to increase the number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are employed in the state. In other words, TW are working to ensure every person with a disability can find a good job, with good pay, that brings real satisfaction, and makes a real difference. Together, TW are working to implement policy and systems changes that make competitive employment the first and desired choice for every Tennessean.
Read the Tennessee Works 'Rise to Work' Blog