In 2024, AscendRural identified its first series of pilots through a national Challenge process in partnership with ScaleHealth focused on technologies that support and improve youth resilience. Over 50 startup companies from across the country applied.

Through a multi-round judging process, the highest-impact technologies were identified. In partnership with five community-based partners from central Minnesota, pilots to support youth resilience will launch in March 2025 and conclude in June 2025. Findings and learnings will be shared at a symposium in August 2025.