Applications open through Jan. 9 for AscendRural Senior Care Innovation Accelerator

AscendRural announces the launch of the AscendRural Senior Care Innovation Accelerator, a new program for early-stage companies in the senior care tech space. Tech startups that help older adults with care delivery, social connection, safety, independence, and overall quality of life are invited to apply for the four-week, cohort-based program. The accelerator will help companies become “rural ready” to pilot, validate, and scale solutions in rural settings. AscendRural takes the risk out of technology and innovation for rural communities by funding and facilitating technology pilots specifically targeted to improve rural health and well-being.

“Tech innovations can transform lives for the better, and AscendRural is making sure those benefits extend to the 46 million Americans who live in rural areas,” said Melissa Kjolsing, Managing Director, AscendRural. “Nearly 20 percent of rural residents are over age 65, and compared to seniors in urban areas, they experience higher rates of chronic illness, disability, isolation, and premature mortality. Our senior care accelerator will help startups adapt and thrive in this environment, creating scalable solutions.”

The Senior Care Innovation Accelerator program is looking for pilot-ready tech solutions within three primary areas of focus: senior care systems and workforce capacity; social connection and engagement; and safety, daily living, and aging in place. Bold ideas outside this scope are also welcome. Cohort members will receive:

• Four weeks of curriculum designed to improve rural readiness
• Mentorship from nationally recognized senior care and aging innovation experts
• Market insights and community engagement support to strengthen product–market fit
• Opportunities to pilot solutions directly in rural communities
• An opportunity to showcase your innovation to community partners actively seeking pilot-ready solutions.
• If selected by community partners, teams can earn pilot contracts worth up to a maximum of $150,000 (no minimum guaranteed).

Companies are encouraged to apply now through January 9, 2026. Final cohort selections will be announced on January 21, 2026. Cohort members will be invited to attend the AscendRural 2026 Summit in late March, specifically featuring a showcase to introduce solutions to an audience of rural leaders and pilot-ready community partners shaping the future of rural life. The accelerator concludes with the option for companies who have demonstrated defined metrics to participate in AscendRural's pilot matching program which provides companies with community partnerships for real-world pilots, market validation in rural America, and visibility with AscendRural's ecosystem partners.

To learn more or apply to the AscendRural Senior Care Innovation Accelerator program, please visit https://platform.younoodle.com/competition/ascendrural_seniorcare. For inquiries regarding the application process, please contact melissa.kjolsing@sourcewell-mn.gov.

About AscendRural

AscendRural is a technology-driven innovation hub dedicated to boosting well-being in rural America. Initiated by Sourcewell, it embodies their commitment to helping communities thrive. We bring together local leaders and the innovation community to fund and facilitate technology pilots in rural communities. Our goal is to address accessibility, availability, and affordability issues while accounting for what makes rural communities unique. For more, visit www.ascendrural.org.

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The AscendRural Innovation Accelerator program is looking for pilot-ready tech solutions in senior care systems and workforce capacity; social connection and engagement; and safety, daily living, and aging in place.