Innovation DuPage partners again with Autism Angels Group to Launch Fourth Cohort of its Neurodiversity Entrepreneurship Program

Contact: Rob Glaser, Program Manager

Innovation DuPage

idglaserr@innovationdupage.org

[Glen Ellyn, IL] — Leading business incubator and accelerator Innovation DuPage (ID) is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Autism Angels Group (AAG) as they launch the fourth year of the Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program (NDEP)—a pioneering initiative designed to empower neurodivergent business leaders.

NDEP is committed to increasing access to entrepreneurship for individuals with developmental and cognitive differences, including autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other related diagnoses. The program celebrates and supports startups and small businesses led by neurodivergent individuals in executive roles such as CEO, CFO, Director, Founder, or Co-Founder.

“NDEP is pioneering a new model for incubator partnerships, creating meaningful pathways for neurodivergent leaders in the entrepreneurial space,” said Dr. Maureen Dunne, Oxford-trained cognitive scientist, global keynote speaker, and author of the national bestselling book The Neurodiversity Edge. Dr. Dunne is also the neurodiversity expert for the LEGO Foundation’s $20 million Play For All global accelerator fund and has served as a Trustee at College of DuPage.

“The response to this year's Neurodiverse Entrepreneurship Program was incredible,” said Dan Facchini, Managing Director of Innovation DuPage. “With more than 650 applications coming from entrepreneurs from across the United States and 10 different countries, there is obviously a growing demand for entrepreneurship programs that serve the neurodiverse community, and we're proud that Innovation DuPage can play a role in meeting that need."

Following a thorough selection process two companies were selected to join the Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program's fourth cohort:

• Fueled By AF: Founded by Angelica Ford of Niles, Illinois, produces high-protein vegan protein bites and nut butters in a custom-built adaptive manufacturing facility in the Chicago area. The company stands out for its disability-first workforce model, with 90% of team members identifying as having a disability.
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• Stimeez: Founded by Chicago-area creator Anthony Elder, Stimeez develops sensory-informed character toys that help children explore and communicate emotions through tactile, screen-free play. Created with input from occupational therapists and neurodivergent advocates, the company combines emotional learning, sensory regulation, and imaginative play in an accessible product designed for children of all abilities.

Companies selected to be part of NDEP receive:

• $4,000 microgrant from Autism Angels Group
• Access to Transition2Success Project’s T2S-Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Support Model™ ($5,000 value)
• Innovation DuPage Scale Membership ($2,700 value)
• The opportunity to participate in Innovation DuPage’s Owner 2 CEO Business Accelerator program ($10,000 value).

Innovation DuPage and Autism Angels Group are committed to fostering inclusive innovation and expanding opportunities for neurodivergent entrepreneurs across the region and beyond. Past NDEP participants includes:

• Dani Bowman, Danimation (Los Angeles, CA)
• Nick L., Wove (Denver, CO)
• Elizabeth Carey, Neurodivergent Galaxy (Downers Grove, IL)
• Scott Filer, ProMedix (Lisle, IL)
• Ryan Ameson, modernSam (Burbank, Washington)

“As an autistic adult facing challenges in corporate and academic settings, entrepreneurship is essential for my self-sustainability. The capital and mentorship provided by NDEP were critical to launching my startup. We became profitable within a year.”

— Nick L., Founder of Wove

“In today’s remote work era, connectivity among executives is often lost. Innovation DuPage has not only been a resource for our startup but has also connected us with other CEOs and founders, creating a valuable network.”

— Scott Filer, CEO of ProMedix

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About Innovation DuPage

Innovation DuPage (ID) is a nonprofit venture that unites startup founders and small business owners with the people, resources and programs that support their growth. Members collaborate across an extensive network of enterprise, academic, economic development, and research partners. Through its business development programs, ID supports the startup community, enhances regional prosperity, attracts world-class talent, and drives sustainable economic growth.

To learn more visit: InnovationDuPage.org

About Autism Angels Group

The mission of the Autism Angels Group is to bring together capital and talent to aggressively drive economic opportunities and technology-driven solutions that create a positive social impact for the autism community. AAG welcomes partnerships with individuals, organizations, and institutions that wish to join in investing in people, private markets, and for-profit enterprises that seek to include and empower those on the autism spectrum. AAG’s nonprofit arm awards microgrants to entrepreneurs with fiscal sponsorship under the Organization for Autism Research (OAR).

To learn more, visit: autismangelsgroup.com