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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Application Area
Digital Health Technologies
Show More (8)Medical Devices
FDA Regulated Medical Devices
Key People
Tiffany Wilson
President & CEO
Lorraine Lopresti
Chief Financial Officer
Wendy Nickel
Chief Program Officer
Heath Naquin
Vice President, Government and Capital Engagement
Katie Nash
Senior Director, External Affairs
News & Updates
The Science Center received a significant grant to support the FirstHand program, enabling rigorous evaluation and expansion of hands-on STEM learning for Philadelphia students.
The FirstHand STEM education model was adapted and launched in Charlotte, North Carolina, in partnership with The Pearl innovation district and Atrium Health, demonstrating the program’s scalability and national impact.
Spotlight on the Science Center’s Founders Fellowship and its support for entrepreneurs developing health tech solutions for aging and Alzheimer’s, including interviews with fellows and their innovative projects.
Insights from investors and founders on what it takes to secure investment, the importance of clarity, data, and relationships, and how the Capital Readiness Program prepares startups for fundraising.
A think tank discussion on the challenges and opportunities of using technology to improve healthcare accessibility, featuring insights from industry leaders and the launch of the Capital Readiness Program’s new cohort.
The journey of Percy, a startup supported by the Science Center’s Capital Readiness Program, developing a contactless behavioral sleep therapy system and achieving key compliance milestones.
Profiles of the 2024-2025 Founders Fellows cohort, their business ideas addressing aging-related challenges, and their experiences in the fellowship.
Recap of Science Center’s Trend Week, an immersive series of think tanks, dinners, and networking events connecting startups, investors, and healthcare leaders to foster innovation and collaboration.
Exploration of the critical role nurses play in healthcare innovation, the importance of including nurses in customer discovery, and the need for resources and education to empower nurse entrepreneurs.
Explanation of the Science Center’s approach to startup support, focusing on substance and practical growth over pitch competitions, and testimonials from founders who benefited from the Capital Readiness Program.
Overview of the Health Sciences Sprint program, its curriculum, hands-on experiences, and the impact on students’ career aspirations in healthcare.
Highlights the impact of FirstHand micro-internships, providing underrepresented students with hands-on lab experience and mentorship in the life sciences industry.
Details the launch and purpose of the Translation Project, an integrated approach to accelerate healthcare innovation from lab to market by addressing evidence gaps and aligning stakeholders.
Showcases the journey of Endomedix, a Capital Readiness Program alum, in developing a novel hemostatic device for brain surgery and securing patents and funding.
Explores the founding story and impact of Liife, a startup focused on secure patient identity verification, and its experience in the Capital Readiness Program.
Examines the Capital Readiness Program’s reputation among founders and investors, its impact on startup fundraising, and the value of its hands-on, candid approach.
Follows the progress of Founders Fellows as they apply entrepreneurial learning to develop healthcare solutions for the aging population, emphasizing the value of mentorship and peer support.
Tells the story of ToxiSense, a startup developing a plant-based alternative to horseshoe crab blood for medical testing, and how the Founders Fellowship helped turn research into a business.
Profiles FirstHand students and their journeys in STEM, highlighting the program’s impact on building confidence, skills, and career aspirations.
Discusses the importance of digital equity in healthcare innovation and how the Science Center and partners like Alma First are bridging the digital divide for underserved communities.
Explores the Science Center’s Theory of Change, addressing the need for diversity in STEM, health equity, and the organization’s strategy to drive inclusive growth in Philadelphia’s innovation ecosystem.
Analysis of the evolving funding and regulatory landscape for startups, highlighting opportunities in digital health, AI, and the importance of capital readiness and resilience.
Celebrates a decade of the FirstHand STEM program, its impact on thousands of students, and its vision for expanding access to STEM careers.
A teacher’s perspective on the impact of FirstHand, highlighting its value for both students and educators as a hands-on, inquiry-driven STEM program.
Insights from a panel discussion on the importance of involving nurses in healthcare innovation, featuring Capital Readiness Program participants and industry leaders.
Overview of the Science Center’s U.S. Market Access Program and its role in helping international startups navigate the complexities of the American healthcare system.
Success story of Calla Lily Clinical Care, a Capital Readiness Program alum, and its innovative approach to women’s health and drug delivery.
An art exhibition addressing gun violence through the work of nine artists, fostering dialogue, healing, and community engagement. The closing reception is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 5:00-8:00pm.
An event to meet the 2024 Nucleus Award Honorees, recognizing leaders in innovation and community impact. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 24th.
The Science Center showcased its programs and startup alumni at HLTH 2024, highlighting Philadelphia’s innovation ecosystem and expanding its national and global reach.
Endomedix, a Capital Readiness Program alum, was granted its eighth and ninth patents by the European Patent Office and the US Patent and Trademark Office, covering the composition, manufacture, and mechanism of action of its hemostatic device.
Liife, a startup supported by the Capital Readiness Program, was granted a proprietary patent for its advanced technology in secure patient identity verification.