Cognitive Leap Chief Science Officer Professor Skip Rizzo Delivers Keynote on VR and AI at 2026 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit
Pioneer in Medical Virtual Reality Explores How VR and Artificial Intelligence Can Transform Support for Neurodivergent Children
STANFORD, Calif., September 21, 2026 — Professor Albert “Skip” Rizzo, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of Cognitive Leap and Director of Medical Virtual Reality at the University of Southern California (USC), delivered a keynote address at the 2026 Stanford Neurodiversity Summit at Stanford University, highlighting the rapidly expanding potential of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting children with neurodevelopmental and other health-related needs.
The three-day Stanford Neurodiversity Summit, held September 19–21 at the Stanford University School of Medicine’s Li Ka Shing Center, brings together neurodivergent individuals and families with researchers, clinicians, educators, employers and innovators from around the world. This year’s theme, “Building Strengths through Neurodiversity Innovation,” focuses on new approaches to recognizing and developing the strengths and potential of neurodivergent individuals.
In his keynote, Professor Rizzo explored how the convergence of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, neuroscience and behavioral science is creating new opportunities to understand individual differences and develop more personalized approaches for children.
Drawing on decades of pioneering work in medical virtual reality, Professor Rizzo discussed how immersive environments can create engaging, controlled and measurable experiences, while AI can help interpret increasingly complex behavioral data and support the development of individualized approaches.
“Virtual reality gives us the ability to create highly interactive experiences while precisely measuring how an individual responds,” said Professor Rizzo. “Combined with the rapidly developing capabilities of artificial intelligence, these technologies have enormous potential to help us better understand individual differences and develop more personalized ways of supporting children.”
Professor Rizzo also emphasized the importance of scientific validation, responsible use of artificial intelligence and translating emerging technologies from academic research into practical applications that can benefit children and families in everyday settings.
Professor Rizzo serves as Chief Science Officer of Cognitive Leap, where he helps guide the company’s scientific strategy and development of technology-based approaches for neurodivergent children. His work with Cognitive Leap builds upon his extensive research at USC involving virtual reality and emerging technologies for health and behavioral applications.
“We are extremely proud to have Skip represent Cognitive Leap on the keynote stage at the Stanford Neurodiversity Summit,” said Jack Chen, Founder and CEO of Cognitive Leap. “For years, we have believed that the combination of neuroscience, virtual reality and increasingly powerful AI can fundamentally change how we understand individual differences. Skip has been one of the pioneers who helped establish medical VR as a serious scientific field, and his vision continues to help guide our work.”
Cognitive Leap is developing a precision neuroscience platform that combines technology-enabled assessment, data and individualized training approaches. The company’s work particularly focuses on neurodivergent children and on translating advances in neuroscience and technology into practical tools that can be used by children, families and professionals.
About Cognitive Leap
Cognitive Leap is a precision neuroscience company developing technology-enabled approaches to understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. Its technologies integrate neuroscience, virtual reality, data-driven assessment and individualized training approaches, with solutions deployed across hospitals, clinics, schools, centers and homes.
Media Contact
Cognitive Leap Solutions Inc. Maple Lu, Maple@cognitiveleap.com
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