University City Science Center

The University City Science Center (the Science Center) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Philadelphia, PA. The Science Center catalyzes innovation to maintain the technological superiority of the American military and the strength of the American economy. The Science Center’s core activities include programming to support and train entrepreneurs, commercialize dual use technologies, expand available capital for high growth firms, and cultivate the domestic STEM talent pipeline. We empower early-stage companies to secure and manage federal funding through specialized assistance. By leveraging our government relationships, providing comprehensive proposal development, and deploying sophisticated award management, the Science Center streamlines the process for startups in accessing federal funding. By ensuring that American scientific and technological innovations are rapidly advanced and integrated into defense and dual-use applications, the Science Center strengthens the US industrial base, enhances military readiness, and safeguards national security interests. This lab-to-market pipeline is critical to maintaining technological overmatch, securing supply chain resilience, and reinforcing biosecurity infrastructure. The Science Center’s innovation acceleration initiatives can directly contribute to the Department of Defense’s modernization priorities by reducing reliance on foreign technologies, fostering high-growth industries in critical technology areas, and ensuring that STEM advancements serve as strategic assets to protect and advance US interests. Since its founding, the Science Center’s commercialization and small business programming efforts have supported more than 700 companies, leading to 29,100 jobs with an average salary of $105,000 and $7.6 billion in annual economic impact in Greater Philadelphia. Through its commercialization programs, the Science Center has supported a range of mission-critical innovations that align with DoD priorities, including warfighter readiness, medical technology advancement, and operational resilience.

University City Science Center

What We Do

Capital Readiness Program

A 5-day intensive program that provides founders with tactical advice, access to an industry-relevant network, and insights into considerations for fundraising and scaling. The program skips pitch competitions in favor of hands-on, practical support, including investor-in-residence mentorship, market validation, and operational gap identification. It is peer-recommended and has helped participating startups collectively raise millions in funding. The program features due diligence deep dives, one-on-one feedback sessions, stress test scenarios, and mock board meetings, with guidance from a national network of investors and industry leaders. Since inception, it has supported 80 companies across 8 cohorts, with over $38M raised in 18 months.

Founders Fellowship

A 12-month fellowship for early-stage entrepreneurs, especially in health tech and aging/Alzheimer’s, providing structured guidance, mentorship, resources, and a stipend to help validate and commercialize innovative ideas. The program includes a curriculum focused on the four M’s: Medication, Mobility, Memory, and What Matters. Fellows gain access to lab space, business-building essentials, and a supportive network, transforming scientists into entrepreneurs and CEOs. The fellowship is designed to help those who may not otherwise have the resources to pursue entrepreneurship, providing a $50,000 stipend and critical lab space.

FirstHand

A suite of free, industry-informed STEM curricula for Philadelphia middle and high school students, offering hands-on, career-exposure programs in a professional lab environment. Programs include multi-week labs, sprints, and mentorship from STEM professionals, with a focus on equitable access and real-world skills. FirstHand also connects students to internships and job opportunities, and its model is being scaled to other regions. The program has served 2,500+ students from 87 schools, with over 37,000 hours of engagement and 348 mentors involved over its first decade.

U.S. Market Access Program

Supports international healthcare companies navigating their entry into the American market by leveraging the Science Center’s extensive network and Philadelphia’s strategic location, positioning the city as a premier gateway for global innovation. Since 2022, the program has guided nearly 50 international companies, helping them secure clinical trials, strategic partnerships, and funding in the U.S. market.

The Translation Project

An integrated operating thesis to move high-potential healthcare innovation into the market faster and with a clearer line-of-sight to impact. The project addresses critical gaps in the life sciences and healthcare startup ecosystem by aligning capital pathways, evidence development, and stakeholder engagement.