Pre-Seed Fund

Program Overview

The Autism Innovation Lab Pre-Seed Fund is designed to catalyze early-stage autism-centered startups and parent-led ventures by providing critical funding, mentorship, and national exposure. The program supports transformative innovations in Healthcare & Therapies, Safety & Independence, Housing & Inclusive Communities, and Quality of Life Solutions.

Funding Levels

Micro-Grants:

$2,500–$10,000 for idea validation, prototypes, and pilot projects.

Pre-Seed Investments:

$10,000–$50,000 for startups with early traction ready to scale.

In-Kind Support

Equivalent value in branding, web development, market research, and pilot access.

Eligibility

  • Autism-focused startups or ventures with direct impact on autistic individuals and their families.
  • At least one founder with a lived connection to the autism or IDD community.
  • Product or service in concept-to-MVP stage with potential to scale.
  • Commitment to measurable impact in one or more of the Lab’s four mission categories.

Funding Structure

Equity / SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity):

For-profit startups may receive pre-seed investment through equity or SAFE notes.

Non-Dilutive Micro-Grants:

Social enterprises or community ventures may receive grant funding without equity exchange.

Revenue-Share Model:

Optional low-risk revenue-based funding for ventures with early sales.

Program Benefits

  • Capital: Direct funding to validate ideas and build early-stage traction.
  • Mentorship: Access to parent entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and neurodiverse founders.
  • Pilot Access: Connection to ASD families and organizations for co-design and real-world testing.
  • Investor Exposure: Pitch opportunities at Autism Innovation Summit 2026, Autism Investor Summit West 2026, and national forums.
  • Media Promotion: Featured in AutismSpa.com Podcast & Magazine, and social media campaigns.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Entry into the Autism Innovation Lab and Autism Business Council’s national network.

Selection Process

  • Application Submission: Online application with company details, pitch deck, and impact statement.
  • Review & Feedback: Every applicant receives tailored feedback, even if not selected.
  • Cohort Selection: 8–12 startups selected annually for funding and incubation.
  • Mentorship Match: Customized mentor pairing based on sector and needs.
  • Investment Committee Approval: Final funding decisions made by the Lab’s advisory board and investor partners.

Funding Sources

  • The Afshar Group (founding capital)
  • Autism Business Council members
  • Impact investors and angel networks
  • Corporate CSR sponsorships (healthcare, tech, housing sectors)
  • Philanthropic foundations (autism, disability innovation, social enterprise)
  • Public-private funding blends (SBIR, HRSA, NIH small grants)

Timeline

Quarterly Application Windows with rolling review
Annual Cohort Launch: Spring 2026
Demo & Pitch Events: Summer/Fall 2026

Get In Touch today!

“If you are building a transformative autism startup or parent-led venture, the Autism Innovation Lab’s Pre-Seed Program is your launchpad. Apply today and create scalable solutions that unlock independence, dignity, and thriving futures for the autism community.”

Apply for Pre-Seed Funding Investor Partnership Info