A Revolutionary Approach to Hiring: How an AI Startup is Leveraging Neurodivergent Workers for Success
In a groundbreaking move, a cutting-edge A.I. startup has secured a major defense contract by hiring neurodivergent workers and beating out its larger rivals. Enabled Intelligence, a five-year-old data labeling firm based in Falls Church, Virginia, has quadrupled its workforce after winning a seven-year contract with the U.S. Department of Defense's National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
According to CEO Peter Kant, the company's emphasis on accuracy, meticulous detail, and its commitment to hiring staffers who identify as neurodivergent have been instrumental in its success. Neurodivergent individuals, who account for 60% of Enabled's over 130 employees, bring unique strengths in hyper-focused detail orientation and pattern recognition.
"We've tapped into an under-employed, highly qualified workforce that has almost superpowers in this area," Kant said. "Here's a team with a proven track record of delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines."
The award represents the largest data labeling effort to date from the DoD's NGA and dwarfs Scale AI's recent government contracts with the Pentagon and U.S. Army.
Enabled has always prioritized hiring neurodivergent workers, and it's clear that this approach has paid off. The company offers flexible hours, training tailored to different learning preferences, and a full-time occupational coach specializing in working with employees on the autism spectrum.
To secure the contract, Enabled outbid Scale AI and other larger rivals, leveraging its unique approach to hiring and talent development. The startup waited until it had confirmation of the NGA contract before bringing on new hires, some of whom came from Melwood's programs, a nonprofit that trains people with disabilities for IT roles.
The rapid hiring wave has meant nonstop onboarding, training sessions, ID badges, and new desk setups. "Now we're in the thick of it," Kant said.
Under the NGA contract, Enabled will label aircraft for defense and intelligence applications, as well as data tied to disaster response, environmental impact, and storm impacts. The work spans everything from key military equipment to changes in coastal lines and impacts of wildfires.
The win marks a major breakthrough for neurodivergent hiring practices and demonstrates that A.I. startups can thrive by embracing diversity and talent. As Enabled gears up for years of work ahead, it's clear that its unique approach has been the key to success.
In a groundbreaking move, a cutting-edge A.I. startup has secured a major defense contract by hiring neurodivergent workers and beating out its larger rivals. Enabled Intelligence, a five-year-old data labeling firm based in Falls Church, Virginia, has quadrupled its workforce after winning a seven-year contract with the U.S. Department of Defense's National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
According to CEO Peter Kant, the company's emphasis on accuracy, meticulous detail, and its commitment to hiring staffers who identify as neurodivergent have been instrumental in its success. Neurodivergent individuals, who account for 60% of Enabled's over 130 employees, bring unique strengths in hyper-focused detail orientation and pattern recognition.
"We've tapped into an under-employed, highly qualified workforce that has almost superpowers in this area," Kant said. "Here's a team with a proven track record of delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines."
The award represents the largest data labeling effort to date from the DoD's NGA and dwarfs Scale AI's recent government contracts with the Pentagon and U.S. Army.
Enabled has always prioritized hiring neurodivergent workers, and it's clear that this approach has paid off. The company offers flexible hours, training tailored to different learning preferences, and a full-time occupational coach specializing in working with employees on the autism spectrum.
To secure the contract, Enabled outbid Scale AI and other larger rivals, leveraging its unique approach to hiring and talent development. The startup waited until it had confirmation of the NGA contract before bringing on new hires, some of whom came from Melwood's programs, a nonprofit that trains people with disabilities for IT roles.
The rapid hiring wave has meant nonstop onboarding, training sessions, ID badges, and new desk setups. "Now we're in the thick of it," Kant said.
Under the NGA contract, Enabled will label aircraft for defense and intelligence applications, as well as data tied to disaster response, environmental impact, and storm impacts. The work spans everything from key military equipment to changes in coastal lines and impacts of wildfires.
The win marks a major breakthrough for neurodivergent hiring practices and demonstrates that A.I. startups can thrive by embracing diversity and talent. As Enabled gears up for years of work ahead, it's clear that its unique approach has been the key to success.
& pattern recognition skills 
- sounds like enabled intelligence is onto something amazing! leveraging neurodivergent workers is not just a win for diversity, but also for their superpowers 
in detail orientation. flexible hours & tailored training are game changers too 
gotta respect the company's commitment to inclusivity & supporting employees on the autism spectrum 
what's next? will we see more A.I startups follow suit and harness the power of neurodivergent talent? 
#neurodiversitymatters #inclusivehiring #enabledintelligence
. As someone who's always wanted to work in the field of AI but struggled with traditional office settings, I think this is a game-changer for neurodivergent folks like me 
. It shows that companies can thrive by embracing diversity and not just hiring anyone who fits the mold 
. Can't wait to see more startups follow in their footsteps 
.
it sounds like enabled intelligence is giving neurodivergent workers a chance to shine and their attention to detail is helping them nail down some major contracts 
i think this is so cool that they're prioritizing hiring people with different needs and offering flexible hours and training that suits everyone's style 
. And it's not just about hiring - it's also about creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and included.
It's time we start valuing their unique perspectives and skills, and this company is leading the way 
I mean, we need more companies doing this. It's not just about hiring people with skills, but also about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
If we start valuing diversity in all its forms, we'll be amazed at what we can achieve. The tech industry is already lagging behind when it comes to accessibility and inclusivity, but companies like Enabled are blazing a trail.
We're gonna need more of this kind of thinking if we want to make the world a better place for everyone.
These individuals have some amazing strengths, like hyper-focused detail orientation and pattern recognition, that are super valuable in data labeling work. 
. Flexible hours, training tailored to individual needs... this is the future of hiring, folks 
. The fact that they outbid Scale AI and other bigger rivals? That just shows how innovative and forward-thinking Enabled is 