AUTISMRI AND AUTISM INNOVATION LAB SEEK CLINICAL AND FUNDING PARTNERS FOR MRI-BASED AUTISM DETECTION STUDY
SAN DIEGO, Calif. | September 15, 2026
AutismRI is developing an MRI-based autism detection platform that uses deep learning to analyze brain MRI and functional MRI scans. Its working prototype, trained with the publicly available ABIDE research dataset, is designed to investigate whether brain-imaging data could eventually complement today’s behavioral and clinical assessments with objective biological information.
AutismRI has engaged Autism Innovation Lab (AIL) as a strategic partner to help drive clinical validation, funding, strategic relationships, public awareness and parent-centered development of the platform.
Together, AutismRI and AIL are seeking:
- A clinical partner, such as a hospital, imaging center, university or qualified research organization, to help design and conduct a dedicated clinical study and generate MRI and ADOS-2 data
- A funding partner to support the clinical study, regulatory pathway, continued technology development and operating costs
- Independent scientific, medical and autism-community advisors to help evaluate and guide the research
The immediate next step is to establish the clinical study protocol, patient population, data requirements, timeline and budget with a qualified clinical or research partner.
AutismRI is targeting an approximately $2 million seed round to support clinical validation, data collection, continued platform development, regulatory preparation and the infrastructure required to advance the technology toward commercialization.
“We have built a working prototype that demonstrates the potential of combining brain imaging and deep learning to support autism detection,” said Parham Shariatzadeh, co-founder and CEO of AutismRI. “We are now looking for the right clinical and funding partners to help us generate the evidence, data and regulatory pathway needed to move this technology forward responsibly. AIL gives us an experienced strategic partner with strong relationships throughout the autism community and a direct understanding of what families need.”
As a strategic partner, AIL will work with AutismRI to identify and develop the clinical, research and funding relationships needed to advance the platform and its clinical and regulatory pathway.
“The possibility of adding objective biological information to the autism diagnostic process deserves serious scientific investigation,” said Shahriar Afshar, founder and CEO of Autism Innovation Lab and chief ecosystem officer of AutismRI. “We are seeking credible partners who can help AutismRI investigate that potential while asking the questions families would ask and protecting the dignity, independence, safety and future of nonspeaking children and adults with profound or severe autism.”
Hospitals, imaging centers, researchers, foundations and investors interested in exploring a clinical or funding partnership are invited to contact AutismRI and AIL.
AutismRI’s platform is investigational and has not been cleared or approved by the FDA.
ABOUT AUTISMRI
AutismRI is developing an MRI-based autism detection platform that uses deep learning to analyze brain imaging data. Its working prototype was trained using the publicly available, multisite ABIDE research dataset. AutismRI was co-founded by CEO Parham Shariatzadeh and CTO Mohammad Salamati.
ABOUT AUTISM INNOVATION LAB
Autism Innovation Lab (AIL) is an ecosystem of transformational autism startups, researchers, healthcare organizations, investors, advocates and strategic partners working to advance solutions for autistic individuals and their families. Founded by Shahriar Afshar, a longtime public-service executive, autism advocate, startup mentor and father of a nonspeaking autistic son, AIL supports its partners through research and pilot collaborations, business development, investor readiness, market access and parent-centered communication. Afshar also serves as chief ecosystem officer of AutismRI, serves on the board of the National Autism Safety Council, mentors startups through UC San Diego’s The Basement, hosts the AutismSpa.com podcast, and is the author of Autism 2030 and the forthcoming book The Warrior Autism Parent: Beat But Not Broke. AIL brings the voice of families to autism innovation, with particular attention to the dignity, independence, safety and future of nonspeaking individuals and those with profound or severe autism.
MEDIA CONTACT
Shahriar Afshar
Founder and CEO
Autism Innovation Lab
info@AutismInnovationLab.com