Innovation DuPage partners again with Autism Angels Group to Launch Second Cohort of Program supporting Neurodivergent Founders.

The mission of the Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program (NDEP) is to increase business leadership opportunities for people with developmental and/or cognitive differences such as autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and other related diagnoses. Companies with neurodivergent leaders serve as role models for future entrepreneurs while illustrating that neurodiversity can be a strength. NDEP celebrates and invests in the success of startups and small companies that have neurodivergent leaders in C-Suite roles (e.g., CEO, CFO, Directors, founders, or co-founders).

Dr. Maureen Dunne, Trustee for College of DuPage, and author of the recently published “The Neurodiversity Edge”, highlighted, “The NDEP program is pioneering an incubator partnership model, opening pathways for neurodivergent leaders in entrepreneurship.”

Following a thorough selection process, two companies within the DuPage County region were selected to join the Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Program's second cohort.

Neurodivergent Galaxy:

Founded by Elizabeth Carey in Downers Grove, IL, Neurodivergent Galaxy empowers individuals with disabilities and co-occurring mental health and/or substance use challenges on their wellness and recovery journey through accessible peer support groups, personalized coaching, and self-advocacy education.

ProMedix Inc:
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CEO Scott Filer, along with Co-Founders Matthew Hansen, MD and David Sheridan, MD from the Oregon Health & Sciences University Medical Center, have developed (PeriFRL) – a noninvasive, blood flow monitor for rapid sepsis detection in ICUs and emergency rooms.

Companies selected to be a part of NDEP will receive:

·  $4,000 microgrant from Autism Angels Group

·  Access to Transition2Success Project’s T2S-Neurodiverse Entrepreneur Support Model™ ($5,000 value)

·  Innovation DuPage MVP Membership ($2,700 value)

·  The opportunity to participate in Innovation DuPage’s Owner 2 CEO Business Accelerator program ($10,000 value).

Last year's successful inaugural cohort featured from Los Angeles, CA Dani Bowman of Danimation and Nick L. from Denver, CO based Wove.  Nick has shared about his experience with the NDEP program, “As an autistic adult facing challenges in corporate and academic settings, entrepreneurism is vital for my self-sustainability.  The capital and mentorship provided by the Neurodiverse Entrepreneurship Program was critical to getting my startup off the ground.  My company has become profitable just after a year.”  

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 4 primary 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

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