How Two Founders Are Merging Empathy and AI to Rethink Neurodiversity Support
In a world where AI is too often reduced to marketing jargon or soulless automation, The Cognity offers something refreshingly human: an AI-powered platform that doesn’t just understand inputs — it understands people. Built like a game, designed like a conversation, and powered by custom machine learning models, The Cognity is revolutionizing how social skills are taught to neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum.
What makes The Cognity instantly stand out is its form. Inspired by language-learning platforms like Duolingo, The Cognity presents bite-sized, gamified lessons that simulate real-life social scenarios — from initiating conversations and recognizing facial expressions to understanding sarcasm or decoding tone of voice. It’s a far cry from flashcards or one-size-fits-all therapy scripts.
“We’re not trying to change who people are — we’re giving them a space to grow, reflect, and communicate in their own way,” says co-founder Wojciech Kretowicz, CTO of The Cognity. And the platform’s design echoes that philosophy. Lessons are interactive, adaptive, and entirely judgment-free — no quizzes, no rigid tests, just progress that unfolds at each user’s pace.
Behind this seemingly simple interface lies a deep stack of innovation. The Cognity’s team built proprietary AI models from the ground up, capable of analyzing user input in real time — from voice modulation and facial microexpressions to emotional responses and interaction timing. The technology doesn’t just evaluate; it responds, corrects, and adapts to the user’s emotional state, creating a feedback loop that’s nuanced, personal, and meaningful. We ensure all user data is securely managed, with strict privacy protocols in place to protect users’ sensitive information.
But for founders Katsiaryna Stankevich and Wojciech Kretowicz, the story of The Cognity began long before any code was written. Both founders have close ties to the autism community — friends, family, and lived experiences that shaped their view of what support should look like. “The Cognity turns what used to be a source of stress into something fun, repeatable, and judgment-free — that’s the power of combining empathy with AI,” says Katsiaryna.
Katsiaryna, The Cognity’s CEO, brings a uniquely global and technical perspective. With a BSc in Computer Science from Warsaw University of Technology and an MSc in Management with a Finance specialization from Imperial College Business School, her resume includes roles in multinational consultancies and startups alike. She’s also a certified social skills coach for neurodiverse individuals — a rare blend of technical mastery and human-first insight.
Meanwhile, Wojciech — a data scientist with experience at Goldman Sachs and ING — has published in the field of explainable AI and co-authored a widely used Python XAI library. At The Cognity, he leads the development of the AI engine that gives the platform its soul — one that listens, learns, and grows with its users.
Together, the two founders built something that straddles tech and therapy, personal empowerment and clinical integrity. “We don’t see AI as a buzzword — we see it as a way to personalize, adapt, and truly connect with each user’s journey,” says Wojciech. And it’s not just rhetoric — The Cognity has already gained international traction.
From showcases at WebSummit and ABAI to two nominations for the Global Startup Awards, the platform is garnering attention across the tech, healthcare, and education spaces. But for its creators, accolades are secondary. What matters most is the impact — the kid who finally understands sarcasm, the teen who feels more comfortable speaking up, the adult who no longer fears job interviews.
The Cognity’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond the app. Through partnerships with clinics, universities, and organizations like the Cambridge Innovation Center and NCBR Ideas, the company runs community-led workshops, career development programs, and educational events that empower neurodivergent individuals in real-world contexts.
One of the platform’s secret weapons is its collaborative approach. Lessons and features are co-created with therapists, psychologists, and members of the neurodivergent community themselves. This ensures the tool stays grounded in both clinical validity and lived experience — an intersection where many competitors fall short. These partnerships also help validate the platform’s approach, ensuring that it is rooted in both clinical expertise and real-world application.
Unlike other solutions in the autism support space, which often rely on static exercises or simplistic interactions, The Cognity’s lessons evolve. As users learn and grow, so does the platform’s response. No two paths are the same — just like no two users are the same. It’s not “therapy lite.” It’s something entirely new: tech that listens, adapts, and encourages.
“We’re building a movement — for radical inclusion, human-centered technology, and a future where neurodiversity is recognized as a strength,” says Katsiaryna. And if the number of users is any indication, they’re succeeding. Clinics, foundations, and individuals are using The Cognity. The demand is growing, organically and globally.
As AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives, The Cognity is a powerful reminder of what this technology can do at its best: not replace human connection, but enhance it. “Inclusion,” says Wojciech, “shouldn’t be a feature — it should be the foundation.”
To learn more about The Cognity and to get started on a journey towards enhanced social confidence, visit their website here. You can also follow them on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
For further information about the company, or to inquire about partnership opportunities, please contact Katsiaryna Stankevich at +447733251623 or email [email protected].
