We developed SANDI (Simulator for Advanced Neurodiverse Driving Instruction), an AI-driven virtual reality driving simulator designed to help individuals on the autism spectrum build confidence, learn driving skills, and overcome driving anxiety through adaptive training and physiological feedback systems.
We developed SANDI (Simulator for Advanced Neurodiverse Driving Instruction), an AI-driven virtual reality driving simulator designed to help neurodiverse teens and adults, particularly those on the autism spectrum, build confidence, learn driving skills, and overcome driving anxiety. SANDI leverages adaptive training modules and physiological feedback systems to provide a safe, structured learning environment. Our solution integrates advanced AI algorithms, real-time biometric monitoring, and data-driven performance assessments to personalize the learning experience. By addressing sensory sensitivities, cognitive processing differences, and emotional regulation challenges, SANDI offers a scalable platform that meets the unique needs of this underserved population.
Jan Schlueter, CEO & Co-Founder: Current Entrepreneur in Residence at Vanderbilt University’s Frist Center for Autism and Innovation; expertise in AI-driven solutions and scaling startups.
Dr. Nilanjan Sarkar, Co-Founder & CTO: Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Vanderbilt University; expert in robotics, AI, and human-machine interaction.
Dr. Keivan Stassun, Advisor: Director of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation; expert in data science, inclusion technologies, and engineering solutions for neurodiverse populations.
We are excited about the opportunity to showcase Neurodiverse Technologies and SANDI at the SouthEast Venture Showcase, demonstrating how innovation can empower individuals with autism to achieve independence and success.
Our initial focus targets B2B partnerships with vocational rehabilitation agencies, ABA therapy providers, high schools which focus on neurodiverse students and driving schools. We are developing collaborations with behavioral health organizations and regional rehabilitation centers to integrate SANDI into their therapy programs. Additionally, we have a waiting list of early adopter customers, including therapy providers, rehabilitation centers, and driving schools, who are eager to integrate SANDI into their programs. These early adopters recognize the transformative potential of our platform and are ready to deploy it as soon as it becomes commercially available.
SANDI operates on a SaaS model with a subscription fee of $6,500 per year per license. We recommend hardware that only uses off-the-shelf elements, with an initial investment of around $3,200, making our system affordable and scalable for service providers. Revenue streams include: Direct sales to driving schools and rehabilitation centers. Licensing agreements with therapy providers and behavioral health organizations. Customization services for specific training scenarios.
We are seeking $1M in seed funding to: Continuous software development ($150,000). Expand sales and marketing ($250,000). Build out partnerships and support teams ($250,000). Conduct additional R&D and validation studies ($100,000). Cover operating costs and product refinement ($250,000). This funding will accelerate product readiness, drive adoption, and position us for Series A funding within 18–24 months.
SANDI is currently at the beta-testing stage, with a fully functional prototype deployed in select therapy and rehabilitation centers. It features advanced AI algorithms, real-time physiological tracking, and cognitive-behavioral training methods, showing promising improvements in driving readiness among neurodiverse teens and adults.
Early feedback highlights reduced driving anxiety and better focus during training sessions. Our platform emerged from the Sarkar Lab in Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, one of the top labs affiliated with and supported by the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University, leveraging cutting-edge research in neurodiverse learning methods. It integrates biometric data, eye-tracking, and adaptive learning modules to ensure personalized training experiences. Collaborations with therapists and rehabilitation experts have validated its design, making it a promising tool for addressing learning gaps and improving confidence behind the wheel.
Company Formation: We are in the process of forming "Neurodiverse Technologies" as a C-Corp entity, with plans to incorporate in Q1 2025.
The project started with an NIH R01 grant of ~2.5 million dollars. The driving simulator was not the full grant. However, the grant supported the initial development of the simulator and many of the papers that people refer to. This funding has enabled SANDI to complete initial pilot testing and refine its core functionality in real-world settings. Additionally, the Frist Center for Autism & Innovation has invested approximately $250,000 in discretionary funds to further support development and engineering efforts. These funds have been crucial in reaching the current development stage, enabling SANDI to complete its transition from a research tool to a commercially viable solution and preparing it for final market deployment.
