AscendRural Launches Innovation Challenge to Strengthen Rural Emergency Response
Staples, Minnesota, June 24, 2025 — AscendRural, in collaboration with the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), today announced the launch of the AscendRural Volunteer First Responder Innovation Challenge, a national call for innovative solutions to help rural communities recruit and retain volunteer first responders.
Rural public safety depends heavily on volunteer first responders, yet communities across the country are experiencing critical shortages putting lives and property at risk. Volunteer fire departments make up 70 percent of all U.S. fire departments, and more than half of rural EMS agencies rely on volunteer staffing. However, decades of steady decline in volunteer numbers have left rural areas struggling to provide timely, effective emergency response.
“Without a sustainable pipeline of volunteer first responders, rural communities face longer response times, reduced quality of care, and added strain on those who continue to serve,” said Melissa Kjosling, Managing Director at AscendRural. “We’re seeking forward-thinking solutions that can make a real difference in these communities.”
The AscendRural Volunteer First Responder Innovation Challenge is looking for impactful products and approaches that:
Improve access to training
Reduce volunteer burnout
Streamline public safety dispatch
Enhance mental and physical health support
Provide other benefits that help recruit and retain public safety volunteers
Five finalists will receive a host of benefits, including:
The opportunity to pilot their solution with rural communities through contracts worth up to $150,000
Mentoring from AscendRural’s renowned experts
Rural market insights to refine go-to-market strategies
The chance to present their solutions in person to rural leaders this August
Applications for the national challenge are due July 21. Startups should have a functioning MVP (minimum viable product) and be ready to pilot their solution. To apply, visit Volunteer First Responder Innovation Challenge | YouNoodle.
AscendRural and CORI hosted an information session on July 2, 2025 for organizations and startups interested in learning more about the challenge, benefits and judging process. Access the recorded webinar below.
Local government agencies and nonprofit organizations interested in piloting the technology-based solutions identified through the challenge should contact AscendRural. Organizations must serve Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and/or Wadena counties. Complete this form if you’re interested in learning more.
AscendRural
AscendRural is dedicated to accelerating innovation that improves the quality of life in rural communities across the United States by supporting bold solutions and building partnerships that address pressing rural challenges.
The Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) is a national nonprofit advancing economic opportunity in rural America by partnering with local leaders to build thriving digital economies.