Codefi and Joplin Regional Alliance for Health and Health Science Partner to Launch Groundbreaking HealthTech AI Software Startup Studio

New collaboration aims to create AI-powered healthcare solutions while driving regional economic growth in Southwest Missouri

September 26, 2025

Codefi, a leading technology-based economic development organization based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and the Joplin Regional Alliance for Healthcare and Health Science (JRAH) today announced the launch of a HealthTech AI Software Startup Studio. The multi-year partnership will systematically identify healthcare market opportunities and create AI-powered solutions to address critical industry challenges.

The collaboration combines codefi's proven startup development expertise with JRAH's deep healthcare industry knowledge through a unique hybrid model that blends hands-on company building with structured accelerator methodologies. For a deeper look at the studio approach and what’s coming next, read Codefi’s announcement blog post.

Addressing Healthcare Innovation Gaps

The Studio will focus on developing solutions for digital health, population health management, and health education technology. As project leader, codefi will provide strategic direction, opportunity validation, MVP development, and founding team formation. JRAH will contribute industry expertise, facilitate customer discovery, and provide pilot testing opportunities for emerging ventures.

"By combining our healthcare delivery experience and health science innovation focus with codefi's proven track record in building successful technology companies, we're positioned to create solutions that truly address the challenges facing healthcare providers and patients," said Lori Worthington, Executive Director of JRAH.

"This partnership allows us to focus our mission of eliminating rural opportunity gaps specifically on healthcare," said James Stapleton, CEO of Codefi. "Together, we're building a de-risked pathway to innovation that can create lasting economic impact while solving real problems."

Regional Economic Impact

The partnership is expected to drive significant regional economic growth through new high-growth companies and job opportunities in the greater Joplin region. The initiative follows a structured six-month implementation plan, progressing from opportunity identification through market validation to funding introductions.

Funding support for the project was made available through a competitive Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity grant awarded to codefi by the Missouri Technology Corporation.

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Joplin Regional Alliance for Healthcare and Health Science (JRAH)

JRAH unites healthcare providers, educators, businesses and community partners with a shared mission: to ensure healthcare workforce sufficiency, improve health outcomes, expand opportunities, and build a stronger regional economy. Its strategic focus includes advancing education for health careers, fostering research and innovation, and piloting advanced models of healthcare delivery.

About codefi

Codefi is a nationally recognized technology-based economic development non-profit organization that specializes in deploying an innovation ecosystem in rural and smaller metro regions. The integrated system of programs and tech services produces high-quality jobs by building and attracting software-focused companies, educating and training tech and founder talent, and providing access to pre-seed capital that expands the tech economy and improves the quality of lives, companies, and communities. Codefi is also a co-founder of the Show-Me Network, a statewide network connecting rural entrepreneurs to resources and programs.