AscendRural Opens Applications for Mental Health Ecosystem Accelerator

AscendRural, a program of Sourcewell, is accepting applications for its Mental Health Ecosystem Accelerator, a four-week program connecting technology companies with rural stakeholders actively seeking solutions to close gaps in the fragmented mental health care ecosystem. 

Rural mental health care often spans multiple providers and organizations, creating gaps in triage, referrals, care navigation, communication, and follow-through. Smaller organizations may also lack access to affordable technology that helps systems work together. 

“Rural communities don’t need technology developed in isolation from the people who will actually use it,” said Dr. Steph Peters, who leads the AscendRural accelerator. “We start with needs identified by rural stakeholders and partners and bring companies into that conversation early, with the goal of building partnerships that can last.” 

Developed in partnership with Community Bridgemakers, a five-county collaborative working to address community challenges in central Minnesota, the accelerator is seeking technology solutions in areas including provider communication, closed-loop referrals, scalable triage and intake, care navigation, community health coordination, workflow support, and data visibility. 

“When someone needs mental health support, they shouldn’t have to navigate disconnected organizations and systems on their own,” said Nancy Euteneuer, Director of Community Health Services. “There is a real opportunity to strengthen connections between providers and community partners so people can move more effectively from a place of need to the right care and follow-through.” 

Four weeks focused on rural implementation 

Each week combines a 60-minute live session with applied work and 1:1 mentoring: 

• Week 1: Understand the rural ecosystem and Central Minnesota needs 

• Week 2: Validate Need and Build Your Rural Value Proposition 

• Week 3: Prepare for implementation across people, workflows, data, and partners 

• Week 4: Create a Sustainable Pathway to Adoption and Scale 

Companies that complete the accelerator may be invited to pitch to rural stakeholders, and a small number may be selected to pursue a funded pilot. The goal is a lasting partnership between a community partner and a company with a solution that addresses meaningful rural needs. 

Applications are now open 

AscendRural is seeking companies whose technology improves the experience of the mental health ecosystem for rural communities, including solutions that address access, coordination, referral, or follow-through in rural mental health. Selected teams should be prepared to learn from rural partners, adapt their solutions to local needs, and participate in weekly sessions and mentoring. 

Selection is competitive, and a limited number of companies will be accepted. The program fee is $1,250, with no equity required. Participation does not guarantee a pitch, pilot, funding, procurement eligibility, contract, or future opportunity. 

Rural mental health works better when it works together. Apply to the AscendRural Mental Health Ecosystem Accelerator.