IncludAI - The Neurodiversity Hackathon, in Partnership with Stanford NNEA

About the challenge

Build AI tools that actually work for neurodivergent learners. By the community. For the community.

Most AI tools in education were built for a narrow definition of "normal." Students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and sensory processing differences spend every day working around technology that was never designed for them.

This hackathon flips that. We challenge student builders to start from a different question: "what would this tool look like if a neurodivergent user were the primary user from day one?"

Over one week, you'll build an AI-powered tool designed with neurodivergent youth, and the best projects will have the chance to be showcased at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit in September 2026.

Format and Participation

Organized by IncludEDU, a non-profit dedicated to inclusive education, in partnership with the Stanford Network for K-12 Neurodiversity Education and Advocacy (NNEA).

It is beginner-friendly with no prior AI experience required. Teams of 1–5 are welcome, solo is fine, and mentorship is available all week. A full week to build. Camera-optional sessions, asynchronous participation, solo or team, all communications in writtenandvideo form. Attend the August 1 kickoff for three beginner workshops: Intro to AI APIs · Designing for Neurodiversity · From Idea to Prototype in One Week. Register on this Devpost page and join the Discord to meet teammates and request a mentor.

Three challenge tracks (pick one)

• Track 1 - AI for Learners Who Think Differently: AI tools for neurodivergent K–12 students. Adapt your tool to the student, not the student to your tool.
• Track 2 - AI for Connection & Wellbeing: AI tools supporting social skills and mental health, a genuinely safe space to practice, express, and be understood.
• Track 3 - AI Creative Amplifier: AI tools that unlock creative expression, meeting neurodivergent creators where they are.

Requirements

Two universal requirements for every project: - AI used meaningfully - Real neurodivergent users involved in your design or testing, with that engagement described in your submission.

Your project can be a web app, mobile app, chatbot, browser extension, API tool, or any other format.

Prizes and Submission

Winners present at the 2026 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit (Sept 19–21). Prizes include Grand Prize, Track Winner for each category, and a Neurodivergent Innovator Award.

Submit on Devpost by Saturday, August 8, 11:59 PM PT. Include a demo video (3 minutes max), project description, and public source code.