Staples, MN-based AscendRural has selected nine early-stage technology companies as the inaugural cohort of its Senior Care Innovation Accelerator, the company announced Monday. The program aims to facilitate senior care pilot programs in rural communities.
“We’re thrilled to help such a strong array of startups become ‘rural ready’ to pilot, validate and scale solutions in rural settings through our AscendRural Senior Care Innovation Accelerator,” AscendRural Managing Director Melissa Kjolsing said in a <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260319485764/en/AscendRural-Announces-Nine-Tech-Startups-for-Inaugural-Cohort-of-Senior-Care-Innovation-Accelerator” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>statement. The tech-driven innovation hub has a goal of improving senior care in rural America.
Through the accelerator, the organization will provide funding to CarePredict, care.coach, Medex Finance, Plated Foodservice, Pontosense, Total Life, Vivo, Xandar Kardian and Zemplee. AscendRural said the companies were selected from almost 100 applicants for their “innovative solutions, strong impact potential and alignment with AscendRural’s priorities.”
“Our rural communities deserve innovative solutions, especially our rural seniors who face unique challenges around access and affordability, contributing to higher rates of chronic illness, disability, isolation and premature mortality,” Kjolsing said. “The businesses in our inaugural cohort have the potential to transform the lives of rural seniors for the better, and we can’t wait to introduce them to our community partners.”
The nine members of the inaugural cohort, AscendRural said, 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.
- A chance to showcase their innovation to community partners actively seeking pilot-ready solutions.
- Pilot contracts worth up to $150,000 if selected by a community partner.
