Neurohaus: Reimagining spaces and services for neurodivergent minds

A divergent neurotype can involve neurobiological differences in sensory processing, motor abilities, social comfort, cognition, and focus. While many people would be described as ‘neurotypical’, an estimated 20% of us globally are neurodivergent, with highly mappable behaviours and distinctive needs often overlooked by businesses. This figure represents some 800 million consumers for whom day-to-day experiences that others take for granted – such as opening a bank account, booking a holiday or buying a new pair of jeans on the high street – can be overwhelming. 

Neurohaus founders Olly and Amelia Markeson, both of whom were diagnosed as neurodivergent during their time as students at the University of Oxford, have made it their mission to address the overlooked needs of this community. Their vision caught the attention of the OUI Startup Incubator, which helped transform their idea into a scalable venture, opening the door to bringing positive change to the lives of millions of neurodivergent people 

Today, Neurohaus partners with leading brands to make spaces, services and experiences more inclusive for both neurodivergent consumers and employees. From user journeys in retail environments to staff training programmes, the team applies rigorous research methods in its analysis, including in-store observations, sensory audits, and first-hand feedback from neurodivergent consumers.  

The company has already made waves through its partnership with luxury fashion house Versace, one of the world’s most recognisable and influential brands. Neurohaus is now working with global jewellery brand Pandora, supporting the company’s employee experience and embedding inclusive design principles into its future store rollouts. This builds on Neurohaus’ work with the US-based Goodwill network of thrift stores – outlining the adaptability of the Neurohaus approach.  

While their consultancy continues to grow, founders Olly and Amelia are also establishing a not-for-profit arm focused on policy influence and systemic issues, including the disproportionately high rates of neurodivergence among the homeless and prison populations. Their ultimate goal is to shift how society designs for, understands and supports neurodivergent lives. 

As Neurohaus continues to expand, such a venture demonstrates how university-born innovation can shape a more inclusive world.  

• Worked with five global brands (with a combined total of more than 10,000 stores, 190,000 employees, and hundreds of millions of customer visits) in the first two years of operation 
• Visited over 100 stores across five countries
• Have undertaken ‘shopalongs’ with dozens of neurodivergent shoppers