Sanford Health Shines as ‘America’s Most Innovative Company’ in South Dakota
For the fourth consecutive year, Sanford Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of “America’s Most Innovative Companies.” This recognition places the spotlight on South Dakota, underscoring the state’s commitment to harnessing creativity, advancing technology, and driving transformational change. Being the only company from South Dakota to make the prestigious list, Sanford Health showcases the state’s potential to lead in healthcare innovation.
Fortune’s 2026 list includes 300 U.S.-based companies, with Sanford Health positioned among global giants like Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon. Among only 20 health systems recognized nationwide, Sanford Health joins renowned institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, further highlighting its significant achievements. This acknowledgment underscores Sanford’s unwavering commitment to innovation, particularly through its influential role in transforming healthcare delivery across rural America.
Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sanford Health’s profound contributions not only enhance the state’s profile but also benefit the local communities extensively. “This recognition is a testament to our caregivers and employees, whose ideas and dedication are driving meaningful innovation across our organization,” stated Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health.
Sanford Health’s innovative ambulance service facilitates critical care in rural regions.
The remarkable journey of Sanford Health is intricately tied to South Dakota’s expanding role in healthcare innovations. The state’s robust healthcare system serves as a beacon for other regions aspiring to implement cutting-edge technologies. A crucial aspect of Sanford’s innovation repertoire is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance healthcare delivery by improving affordability and accessibility, especially in underserved rural areas.
Fortune’s evaluation of Sanford Health was based on three equally weighted dimensions: product innovation, process innovation, and culture of innovation. Developed in partnership with Statista, this assessment framework helps benchmark Sanford’s performance against industry standards. Sanford’s culture was identified as its strongest dimension, with specific emphasis on systemwide transformation achieved through technology-enabled care.
Rural healthcare is a pivotal theme in Sanford Health’s strategy. In South Dakota, where vast distances separate communities, the integration of technology in healthcare not only addresses accessibility but also improves patient outcomes. With innovations such as AI-driven diagnostics for cancer and devices for knee replacement surgeries, Sanford Health stands at the forefront of medical revolutions that promise far-reaching impacts on public health.
“Together, we are reimagining how care is delivered – deploying technologies like AI to expand access, support our workforce, improve affordability, and deliver better outcomes for the patients and communities we serve, especially across rural America,” added Bill Gassen. The dedication to patient-centric care, underpinned by groundbreaking technology, positions Sanford as an integral player in the national healthcare landscape.
Behind Sanford Health’s success story is a team of committed professionals who continuously strive for excellence. Jon Berg, a lead media relations specialist based in Sioux Falls, reflects the organization’s ethos. Growing up in South Dakota and graduating from South Dakota State University, Jon plays a vital role in amplifying Sanford Health’s pioneering efforts. He can be contacted via jon.berg@sanfordhealth.org for media inquiries.
Jon Berg, leading media communications at Sanford Health, plays a key role in showcasing the organization’s innovation.
As Sanford Health celebrates this milestone, South Dakota continues to carve its identity as a hub for healthcare innovation. This recognition by Fortune adds to the state’s growing reputation, attracting further interest from healthcare professionals and investors looking to be part of a vibrant, transformative community.
In conclusion, Sanford Health’s consistent recognition as one of America’s Most Innovative Companies highlights both the organization’s innovative strides and South Dakota’s potential to lead in healthcare innovation. This remarkable achievement resonates with the broader vision of advancing health equity and technology-driven patient care across the United States.