Welcome to
AscendRural

Where innovation for rural
well-being lives at the heart
of everything we do.

Built in response to the declining state of rural health delivery and care, this collaboration of local community leaders and national technology innovators have joined together to solve pressing issues related to access, availability, and affordability that currently impact the well-being of rural America.

As a technology-driven innovation hub, AscendRural will identify, shape, and pilot technology solutions in central Minnesota to ultimately benefit rural communities across the country.

Together we WILL change the trajectory of rural health care and delivery.

About us

AscendRural is a technology-driven innovation hub dedicated to boosting the well-being of rural America. Created and launched by Sourcewell, it embodies their commitment to helping communities thrive.

This program brings together local leaders and the innovation community to pilot technology solutions in central Minnesota. The goal is to tackle rural accessibility and affordability issues.

Mission

AscendRural exists to massively improve the quality of life in rural regions by co-creating solutions with innovators, healthcare providers, and community and government leaders.

Vision

To ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to top quality health care.

Origin story

AscendRural was created to deliver tangible, sustained, and positive impact to the health and well-being of rural communities through right fit technology and innovation.

A program of Sourcewell, AscendRural embodies their commitment to helping communities thrive.

In partnership with local community leaders, our aim is to pilot health and well-being innovations in central Minnesota that can then be scaled to other rural and remote regions across America. Embracing the realities of rural living from weather to infrastructure constraints, AscendRural’s active focus and investment in technology and innovation aims to improve the well-being for rural citizens and ultimately the economic prosperity of these regions.

While the initial focus is on improving mental health services and delivery, AscendRural is committed to the long-term comprehensive wellness and prosperity of rural communities nationwide.

What we do

AscendRural facilitates the introduction and implementation of leading-edge technology, infrastructure, thought leadership, and expertise to rural communities across the United States. Our mission-driven approach manifests through an innovation and implementation hub in central Minnesota, where rural-focused well-being technologies are piloted in a practical, real-world environment.

As a Sourcewell program, we then promote and facilitate the use and access to these solutions by agencies across the country for the benefit of other rural communities.

Our activities are founded on FIVE core actions:

  • Identify common rural and remote health and well-being challenges that are found at scale across other rural communities and can be solved using technology and innovation

  • Co-create real world solutions with technology innovators and central Minnesota community leaders

  • Pilot and iterate solutions to produce measurable results

  • Publicize and share outcomes

  • Provide national access to piloted technology through a solutions marketplace

two people feeling cared for

Our values

Making it happen

We are doers and catalysts for change. We’re leading, finding partners, and collaborating to deliver impactful and measurable change.

Putting people first

We care about people, and we ensure that everything we do is carefully thought through to bring the greatest possible benefit to those we serve.

Seeking the best solutions

We always look for the best possible solutions. Our approach is marked by unwavering dedication to right fit innovation and adopting new ideas.

Empowering rural communities

We exist to empower people to live where they want without compromising the quality of care they receive.