The Foundation for Augmented Intelligence (Intelligence++) believes that inclusion for the neurodiverse population is important, but that it’s also not enough. Our mission takes inclusion farther by investing in innovations and solutions that augment intelligence. 

What do we mean by “augment intelligence”? 

To augment means to expand, strengthen, or enhance something that already exists. Augmentation is not about “fixing” people. It is about building tools, environments, and systems that allow individuals to engage with the world from a place of self-actualization We want our investments to expand people’s native intelligence; we want our collaborations to have wider reach and operate cross-sectorally; we want to create a paradigm-shift in how we understand neurodiversity. This is all in an effort towards self-actualization. 

We believe that every human exists with their own unique native intelligence. One individual may soar in the musical arts, while the other is brilliant when it comes to numbers. Or, in the case of Gianfranco Zaccai’s life, one neurodiverse child thrives in environments where she can apply her empathy, while the other is very justice-minded. 

How do we define "intelligence"? 

Much of our thinking is informed by the work of Howard Gardner, whose Theory of Multiple Intelligences challenged the narrow definition of intelligence traditionally prioritized within education systems.

Rather than viewing intelligence as a single measurable trait, Gardner proposed that human capability exists across many distinct yet interconnected forms, including:

• Linguistic Intelligence

• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

• Spatial Intelligence

• Musical Intelligence

• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

• Interpersonal Intelligence

• Intrapersonal Intelligence

• Naturalistic Intelligence

We believe in these forms of intelligence — and more. 

How Intelligence++ Works

The Foundation for Augmented Intelligence (Intelligence++) seeks to augment the quality of life of neurodiverse individuals, their families, caregivers, community, and society at large.

We take a holistic, 360 degree approach to innovation, ultimately achieving this goal through:

• Stimulating the development of technological, educational, and organizational innovations in a year-long interdisciplinary course at Syracuse University called Intelligence++

• Applying this model to other universities and research centers

• Working alongside institutional and private investors to advance the successful innovations born out of Intelligence++

• Influencing legislation and policy through partnerships with relevant nonprofits and NGOs

• Collaborating with researchers, academics, educators, local, state, and national representatives to revolutionize and democratize IQ testing to include multiple forms of intelligence (link to definition) while facilitating greater accessibility, usability, connectivity, and guidance through all stages of development 

• Providing an informative, connective resource for the neurodivergent community including educators, caregivers, employers, and families 

We are particularly interested in solutions that move beyond accommodation alone and toward empowerment, agency, and flourishing.

A Different Future

We envision a future where intelligence is not measured by conformity.

A future where educational systems, workplaces, technologies, and communities are designed with cognitive diversity in mind from the very beginning.

A future where neurodiverse individuals are not merely included in society, but are empowered to shape it.

As this landscape unfolds, we’re curious: 

• How can society leverage technology, entrepreneurship, and design to augment people’s native forms of intelligence — especially that of the neurodivergent population and their families?  

• How can we identify, develop, and augment all forms of intelligence to create more opportunities in the workforce and in life that allow the neurodivergent population to succeed and thrive? 

• How can we prepare students — both neurotypical and neurodiverse — to thrive in life and contribute to the workforce and social needs of the future? 

Please, join us!

Gianfranco Zaccai