New initiative will support rural health care technology, startup growth, workforce capacity and private investment across Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. (May 28, 2026) — The State of Louisiana has launched the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund, a new whole-of-government initiative designed to strengthen rural health care systems, expand access to quality care and accelerate the deployment of health care technology across Louisiana’s rural communities.
The initiative is a partnership between Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Department of Health. Supported through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal investment of more than $1 billion over five years, the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund will connect health care providers, entrepreneurs, investors, universities and technology companies to address challenges facing Louisiana’s 1.1 million rural residents.
Rural Tech Catalyst Fund Application
Through these partnerships, the fund will support new care delivery models, modernize rural health care infrastructure, encourage startup growth and attract private investment to rural regions across the state.
“Louisiana’s rural communities deserve access to high-quality, affordable and sustainable health care solutions close to home,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “The Rural Tech Catalyst Fund will help drive innovative care models, strengthen health care access in underserved areas, and improve outcomes for patients and families across rural Louisiana.”
Louisiana is one of only a handful of states to establish a health care-focused catalyst fund through its Rural Health Transformation Program, positioning the state among national leaders using technology, public-private collaboration and innovation to improve rural health care delivery.
“Louisiana has an opportunity to lead the nation in reimagining how rural health care is delivered by building on the strengths of our rural communities and accelerating innovation,” said Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein. “Through the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund, we are bringing together providers, entrepreneurs and community leaders to create smarter, more sustainable systems of care for rural Louisianans.”
The Rural Tech Catalyst Fund will be managed through Louisiana Innovation, also known as LA.IO, a division of Louisiana Economic Development that oversees the state’s early-stage technology investment and startup support efforts.
In 2025, Louisiana Innovation helped drive record growth in startup capital deployment across the state, with more than $50 million invested in Louisiana startups and a 100 percent year-over-year increase in capital deployment. Through its innovation and investment strategy, LA.IO has helped position Louisiana as a destination for entrepreneurs, investors and high-growth companies working to solve major industry challenges, including health care access, delivery and technology adoption.
“This initiative is yet another example of how our whole-of-government approach is strengthening Louisiana’s competitiveness and positioning our state to lead in emerging industries,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “Being one of only a handful of states selected for this opportunity — and the only one in the Gulf South — reinforces that Louisiana is building the partnerships and innovation ecosystem needed to compete and win.”
The Rural Tech Catalyst Fund will focus on several key priorities, including expanding workforce capacity in rural health care, supporting startup growth and private investment, strengthening health care technology infrastructure, creating pathways for companies to pilot and scale solutions in rural Louisiana, and building partnerships among government, health care providers and industry leaders.
Applications for the Rural Tech Catalyst Fund are now open. Additional details regarding the initiative, including partnership opportunities and program timelines, will be announced in the coming months.
About the Louisiana Department of Health
The Louisiana Department of Health works to protect and promote health statewide and ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all Louisiana residents. The department includes the Office of Public Health, Office of Aging and Adult Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Economic Stability, Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability, Office on Women’s Health and Community Health, and Healthy Louisiana, the state’s Medicaid program.
About Louisiana Innovation
Louisiana Innovation, also known as LA.IO, is a division of Louisiana Economic Development dedicated to strengthening and modernizing Louisiana’s core industries through innovation. LA.IO supports high-potential, technology-enabled startups by connecting founders to capital, fostering partnerships across accelerators, universities, investors and industry, and advancing transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced automation.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and promotes business opportunity for employers of all sizes.
