5th Annual Philadelphia
Life Science Symposium

Philadelphia’s life sciences ecosystem has made enormous strides forward in the last year, serving as a magnet for new resources, technologies and companies.

The theme of the upcoming Philadelphia Annual Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development — “Philadelphia Rises, Making Enormous Strides in Life Sciences” — is cause for optimism in a difficult period for the industry.

Rise in the International Rankings

Philadelphia ranked 5th in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News’ ranking of top biotechnology clusters in the country, climbing two positions after rising in NIH and VC funding. PitchBook’s VC Ecosystem ranking of the world’s top startup cities placed Philadelphia 10 out of 100, ahead of major life science clusters in the US and internationally.

Major Public Investments

Last year, we highlighted the $30 million public investment in the Philadelphia Navy Yard that will transform 54 acres into advanced manufacturing, life science and commercial use sites.

This year, Pennsylvania is launching the $125 million “Innovate in PA 2.0” program to boost its life sciences sector. The capital will be used to back early-stage startups, expand clinical trials, seed regional venture studios, and fund workforce development. The initiative was officially unveiled by Gov. Josh Shapiro at Philadelphia’s B+labs and is the largest state investment in the life sciences industry in over two decades, designed to alleviate severe capital shortages.

Major Companies Entering the Market

There has been a steady stream of new investment by large companies and foreign companies choosing to locate in Philadelphia:

• Eli Lilly and Company: Announced a new Lilly Gateway Labs location at 2300 Market Street offering lab space and resources for early-stage biotech companies. This preceded their announcement of a $3.5 billion investment in the Lehigh Valley to create a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility—the largest in PA history—creating 850+ jobs.
• Legend Biotech: Opened a new state-of-the-art cell therapy R&D facility at 2300 Market Street.
• TerraPower: Plans a $450 million cancer treatment plant at the Bellwether District in South Philadelphia, supported by $10 million from PA state funding to create 225 full-time jobs.
• CTIBIOTECH: A global leader in 3D printing of human tissues, announced the launch of its North American subsidiary in association with BioLabs for Advanced Therapeutics.
• Minaris: Enhancing its GMP Cell Banking Suites in Philadelphia, expanding capabilities to better support cell and gene therapy programs from development through commercialization.

Continued Academic Innovation

• Monell Chemical Senses Center: Signed a 20-year lease to expand its headquarters in One uCity Square. 150+ scientists will move into 64,000 sq ft in a facility investment valued at over $30 million. Founded in 1968, Monell is the world’s only independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated entirely to the science of taste and smell.
• University of Pennsylvania: Celebrated the grand opening of the National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence-Driven RNA BioFoundry (AIRFoundry) at One uCity Square, funded by the NSF with $18 million to accelerate RNA-based technology discovery.
• ARPA-H THRIVE Program: Awarded up to $160 million to accelerate personalized genetic medicines for rare diseases, with two Philadelphia-area leaders among the recipients: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Gemma Biotherapeutics.

We’ll dive into these topics in detail at the upcoming Symposium.

Incubator Innovation Hall: Meet incubators from the Greater Philly Metro Region (Philadelphia, Southern NJ, and Delaware) and representatives from their portfolio companies.

Global Reach: The program will be Closed Live Streamed Nationally and to London, sharing local success stories with a national and international audience!

Lock in your ticket by July 31 to save $50 and secure the best possible rate before prices increase!