SHREVEPORT, La. — Jura Health, a healthcare company focused on expanding access to genetic testing and diagnostic support for children with rare and undiagnosed conditions, has expanded its clinical presence into Shreveport, marking a milestone for pediatric healthcare delivery in the region.
Originally based in Colorado, Jura Health established connections in Louisiana through participation in Startup Prize: Health, a national platform headquartered in Shreveport that connects early-stage companies with mentors, investors and regional partners.
The company now employs an equal number of team members in Northwest Louisiana and Colorado, with operational growth accelerating faster in Louisiana than in any other market, according to the announcement.
“Our growth in Louisiana is not accidental. It’s rooted in the relationships we’ve built through Startup Prize and the deep commitment of the Shreveport community to children and families with complex needs,” said Chris Moore, founder and CEO of Jura Health. “We’ve found partners here who share our belief that access to answers and care should not depend on geography. Shreveport has become a place where Jura Health can grow alongside the community while building better tools to support patients, families, and the clinicians who care for them.”
Jura Health recently received the Certified Louisiana Entrepreneurial Business designation from Louisiana Economic Development, recognizing businesses committed to job creation and economic growth in the state.
“Jura Health’s expansion into Shreveport is how Louisiana’s innovation economy should work,” said Josh Fleig, chief innovation officer of Louisiana Innovation. “A company builds relationships here, finds the right partners, and chooses to scale in our state, creating jobs and delivering real impact for families.”
Many of Jura Health’s early relationships with regional healthcare mentors and ecosystem partners were formed through Startup Prize: Health. The company was introduced to the platform by the Good Science Fund, a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital fund.
“We are proud to support Jura Health as they scale a model that delivers meaningful benefits for children, families, and health systems,” said Urvashi Bhatnagar, general partner of the Good Science Fund. “No child or parent should be forced to suffer through a burdensome process. We believe innovation in clinical testing of rare disease patients will improve outcomes and reduce costs.”
Gregory Kallenberg, founder of Startup Prize, said the company’s relocation reflects the long-term impact the program is designed to create.
“While we are very proud of what we do for all of our entrepreneurs at Startup Prize, we are especially proud when our startups move to our city,” Kallenberg said. “Jura Health has chosen to move to Shreveport, and this is a potential boon to our town. Our hope is that this is only the beginning, and that Startup Prize: Health and Startup Prize: Energy will continue to attract innovation to our state and our region.”
Jura Health operates as a public benefit corporation advancing access to genomic care for individuals with rare and complex conditions. The company combines whole-genome sequencing with care navigation and community partnerships to help families translate genetic insights into clinical care.