IncludEDU × Stanford NNEA
IncludAI
The Neurodiversity Hackathon
Build AI that works for every mind.
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Right now, most AI-powered educational and social tools are built for a narrow definition of "normal." Students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and other learning profiles are left to work around tools that were never designed for them.
This hackathon flips that. We're challenging student builders to start from a different question — not "how do we add accessibility features?" but "what would this tool look like if neurodivergent users were the primary user from day one?"
Top projects will be presented live at the 2026 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit (September 19–21, 2026), a collaborative space where neurodivergent voices and professionals unite to drive social change.
Open to all levels — no prior AI experience required.
Both are welcome. The Neurodivergent Innovator Award specifically honors neurodivergent-led teams.
Solo participants welcome. IncludEDU chapter members are especially encouraged to apply.
Every project must involve real neurodivergent users in the design or testing process. We encourage your submission to describe your engagement — who you involved, what you learned from them, or how their feedback shaped your project.
Choose the track that matches your idea. Every track has one goal: build AI that centers neurodivergent users, not as an afterthought, but from the very first design decision.
Most AI tutoring tools assume a standard learning style. Students with ADHD, dyslexia, or different sensory needs spend every day working around tools that weren't made for them.
Many neurodivergent youth face deep loneliness — not because they don't want to connect, but because existing tools were designed around neurotypical communication styles and interaction patterns.
Neurodivergent people often have intensely rich inner worlds — but traditional creative tools require specific physical skills, linear thinking, and neurotypical ways of organizing ideas.
Five awards across the hackathon. The Grand Prize is judged independently from track winners — any team can win both.
Sign up on Devpost. Form your team.
Connect with teammates, find neurodivergent collaborators or testers, start ideating.
Virtual opening ceremony + three workshops: Intro to AI APIs · Designing for Neurodiversity · From Idea to Prototype in One Week
One week to build, test with real users, and iterate (Saturday to Saturday). Discord mentorship available throughout.
Submit your demo video, project description, and GitHub link on Devpost.
The panel reviews all submissions asynchronously and results are published on Devpost and IncludEDU channels the same day.
Winners refine their projects and prepare presentations for the Summit.
Winners present at Li Ka Shing Center, Stanford University.
All submissions are made through Devpost by August 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
Upload to YouTube or Vimeo and link in your Devpost project. Show what your tool does and how a neurodivergent user would interact with it.
Fill in directly on your Devpost project page: problem statement, target users, how AI is used meaningfully, and your experience involving neurodivergent users.
Link to a public GitHub repository. Projects can be a web app, mobile app, chatbot, browser extension, or any format that fits your solution.
Intro to AI APIs · Designing for Neurodiversity · From Idea to Prototype in 1 Week
Channels per track, mentorship requests, team formation, and general support throughout the week.
Request a mentor for technical guidance, UX feedback, or neurodiversity expertise. Always optional.
Camera-optional sessions. Async participation welcome. All communications in written + video format.
A non-profit organization dedicated to empowering all youth in education. Through a global network of student-led chapters, IncludEDU organizes community outreach, educational programming, and events tailored to underserved communities.
NNEA advocates for neurodivergent students within the Stanford community, connecting researchers, advocates, and students around neurodiversity in education. Winners will present at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit, September 19–21, 2026.
IncludEDU is a global, student-led non-profit, and we're growing. If this mission resonates with you, we'd love to have you in the community long after the hackathon ends.
Plug into a team already active in your school, city, or country.
Have the drive but no chapter nearby? We'll help you launch and lead one — you bring the energy, we bring the playbook.
Mentor future participants, help run the next event, or lead a local initiative that matters to you.
Whether you're neurodivergent, an ally, or both — there's a place for you here. Email contact@includedu.org with the subject "I want to get involved," or ask in our Discord.
We're looking for volunteers to support the event across five areas. Pick everything that interests you and we'll be in touch.
Registration is free. No prior AI experience required. One week to make an impact.
Register on Devpost