(Joplin, MO) – Codefi, a leading technology-based economic development organization based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and the Joplin Regional Alliance for Health Care and Health Science (JRAH) announced on September 26, 2025, the launch of a HealthTech AI Software Startup Studio. The multi-year partnership will systemically identify health care 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 health care industry knowledge through a unique hybrid model that blends hands-on company building with structured accelerator methodologies.
Addressing Health Care 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 health care 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 health care 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 health care,” 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.
About Joplin Regional Alliance for Health:
The Joplin Regional Alliance for Health (JRAH) works with community entrepreneurs, businesses, health care stakeholders, and educational institutions to develop and execute strategic plans and programming to fortify long-term growth of the Joplin region’s health care and health sciences sectors. This includes recruiting and educating new entrants into health care careers as well as retention of experience health care workers within the region, and new products and services development to maximize economic development opportunities for the Joplin region across the four states it serves.
Reference:
Lori Worthington, Executive Director
Joplin Regional Alliance for Health
816.507.2576
lori@jrah.org
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