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. Accessibility shows up — if at all — as a feature bolted on at the end.

This hackathon flips that. We challenge student builders to start from a different question: not "how do we add accessibility features?" but "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 be showcased at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit in September 2026.

What makes this different

• Designed WITH, not just FOR. Every project must involve at least one real neurodivergent user in its design or testing. Show us what they told you and how it changed your build. This is the heart of "nothing about us without us."
• Accessibility-first by design. A full week to build — not a 48-hour crunch. Camera-optional sessions, asynchronous participation, solo or team, all communications in written and video form.
• A real stage for your work. Winners present at the 2026 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit (Sept 19–21).
• Beginner-friendly. No prior AI experience required.

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.

Organized by IncludEDU, a non-profit dedicated to inclusive education, in partnership with the Stanford Neurodiversity & Education Alliance (NNEA).

More than a hackathon — a way in. 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 for the long run — join an existing IncludEDU chapter, or start a brand-new one in your own school or city. Building here is the perfect first step. Reach out at contact@includedu.org to get involved.

Get started

New to hackathons or to building with AI? Here's your path from zero to submission.

1. Register on this Devpost page (click "Join hackathon" at the top).
2. Join our Discord to meet teammates, ask questions, and request a mentor. discord.gg/bEXbrJxvu
3. Pick your track — Learning, Connection & Wellbeing, or Creative Amplifier.
4. Attend the August 1 kickoff for three beginner workshops: Intro to AI APIs · Designing for Neurodiversity · From Idea to Prototype in One Week.
5. Find your neurodivergent user early. This is required. It can be a teammate, a classmate, a family member, or a volunteer from our community — talk to them before you build, not after.
6. Build, test, and record a 3-minute demo.
7. Submit on Devpost by Saturday, August 8, 11:59 PM PT.

You don't need to be an expert. Teams of 1–5 are welcome, solo is fine, and mentorship is available all week. Start small, ship something real, and let your user's voice shape it.

Want to do more than one hackathon? Join the movement. IncludEDU runs on students who care. Join an existing chapter, start your own, or help run future events — email contact@includedu.org with the subject "I want to get involved."

• Impact on Neurodivergent Youth — 30%
  Does this meaningfully address a real need? Is impact demonstrated, not just claimed?
• Innovation in AI Application — 25%
  Is AI used meaningfully and creatively — not just a chat interface wrapper?
• Usability & Accessibility — 25%
  Could a neurodivergent individual actually use this comfortably? Designed with — not just for — them?
• Technical Execution — 10%
  Does the prototype work? Is the code reasonably structured?
• Presentation Quality — 10%
  Is the problem, solution, and impact communicated clearly?