AscendRural Accelerator

Empowering technology companies to succeed in rural markets 

We accelerate innovations and technology that measurably improve health outcomes, well-being, and quality of life in rural places. Our four-week, cohort-based program equips startups and technology companies with the insights, mentorship, and partnerships needed to succeed in rural markets.

How we work

  • Accelerator: 4-week, cohort-based program for high-potential solutions

  • Paid pilot opportunities: Real-world pilot opportunities post-accelerator with rural providers, EMS, public agencies, community organizations, and more

  • Capital & capacity: Potential for pilot funding support and connections to follow-on funders; hands-on support for evidence generation, ROI analysis and reimbursement, and rural adoption

Now Open: apply to the Senior Care Accelerator

AscendRural is seeking impactful products and solutions to address some of the most critical challenges facing rural senior care. We’re looking for forward-thinking technologies that help:​ 

  • Strengthen care systems and workforce capacity​ 

  • Enable social connection and engagement​ 

  • Support daily living, safety, and aging at home 

Apply today

Why join AscendRural Accelerator?

  • Potential rural pilot site(s) via our Pilot Matching Program 

  • Subject matter expert advisors specific to your use case 

  • Impact evaluation & ROI strategic support from industry and academic leaders 

  • Storytelling & trust-building for rural adoption 

  • Demo Day with funders, health systems, and rural coalitions

Results from past cohorts

  • 100% of participants said they felt more rural ready

  • 80% of companies said the Accelerator “extremely” or “significantly improved” their understanding of rural communities, their value proposition positioning, and go-to-market strategy. 

  • 100% found participation in the accelerator valuable. 

  • Net Promoter Score: 80%  

Expert Mentorship That Drives Results

Each company is paired with mentors who blend startup savvy and rural insights —helping technology companies refine their value proposition and product-market fit.

  • 100% of participating technology companies indicated that the mentorship they received was “extremely” or “significantly valuable”.

  • 87.5% of mentors said companies were more rural ready after the program.

  • 80% of companies received mentor recommendations to proceed to a pilot.

  • 87.5% of mentors were “extremely” or “significantly confident” in participants’ ability to succeed in rural markets.

Actionable Learning and Real Connections

The accelerator blends tailored rural programming, expert feedback through practice pitches, and an in-person experience to deepen understanding of rural communities.

  • All participants rated the practice pitches and feedback sessions as “extremely” or “significantly valuable.”

  • Participating companies indicated that the in-person event enhanced connection and understanding of the local region, and validated or challenged their assumptions.

  • "[Our mentor] brings this unique combination where she understands technology, she understands startup, she understands the… community, and so she was able to provide focused feedback and recommendations and also introductions to key players."

    Accelerator Participant

  • “Being able to do the dry run pitch with the mentors and with the group as a whole, I really like that. The fact that you guys sent us feedback... I loved that because we took it to heart and we changed things around. So that was very, very valuable.”

    Accelerator Participant

  • “There are two companies I want to reach out and potentially say, 'Hey, I think that we could be a package at the end of the day.'"

    Accelerator Participant

  • “I've actually participated in several accelerators. I will tell you that your accelerator was by far at the top of my list.”

    Accelerator Participant

Stay Connected to Future Accelerator Opportunities

Not eligible for this pilot but interested in future opportunities? Subscribe to our updates to be the first to know about new programs.