SAN MATEO, CA (March 18, 2025) — Homeward®, a technology-enabled rural health platform dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare in rural America, has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025. Fast Company’s annual list recognizes businesses that are setting new standards and achieving remarkable milestones across industries. This recognition highlights Homeward’s work in rearchitecting rural healthcare by integrating advanced technology, data insights, and artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure that rural Americans receive the care and support they need, when and where they need it.

"We are honored to be named among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025," said Homeward Co-founder and CEO Dr. Jennifer Schneider. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team, the trust of our partners and investors, and—most importantly—the rural communities we serve. They hold us accountable to our mission and push us to continuously innovate and iterate so that we can meet their needs in the most effective, sustainable way possible. Together, we are proving that rural healthcare can be both high-quality and financially viable, ensuring lasting change for generations to come.”

Over the past year, Homeward has accelerated its impact by evolving its care model to better serve rural communities and strengthen the local healthcare ecosystem. In 2024, Homeward launched Homeward Navigation™, a first-of-its-kind model that combines value-based care enablement services, data analytics, and additional clinical capacity to close gaps in care.

Through this model, Homeward takes full accountability for health outcomes and the cost of care at the county level by partnering with local providers, health systems, and health plans to expand access and improve coordination. Homeward equips local providers with data and technology to enhance patient care, prioritizing preventive care and addressing social determinants of health, including food insecurity and transportation.

In addition to its care model innovations, Homeward also achieved B Corp™ certification in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, community-centered healthcare solutions. As a public benefit corporation, Homeward aligns its mission with its business objectives, ensuring that societal impact remains at the core of every decision.

“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”

Homeward’s recognition in Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list is a reflection of its commitment to addressing the rural healthcare crisis head-on—leveraging technology, community partnerships, and a people-first approach to ensure that location is never a barrier to high-quality healthcare.

To learn more about Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies recognition, visit https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list.

About Homeward

Homeward is rearchitecting the delivery of health and care for rural Americans by partnering with payers, providers, and community organizations. By taking full financial accountability for clinical outcomes and the total cost of care across rural counties, Homeward aligns incentives and strengthens local healthcare ecosystems. The Homeward Navigation™ platform uses advanced analytics to connect members to the right care and local resources that address social determinants of health and improve holistic health outcomes. Since many rural communities lack adequate clinical capacity, Homeward employs care teams that supplement local practices and reach people who cannot access care otherwise. As a public benefit corporation and B Corp™ certified company, Homeward’s mission and business model are aligned to address the healthcare, economic, and demographic challenges that make it harder for rural Americans to stay healthy. For more information, please visit www.homewardhealth.com.

Homeward Press Contact:
press@homewardhealth.com