Ecosystem
Ecosystems don’t build themselves. In 2025, we leaned fully into the role of connector, catalyst, and convener.
From medtech momentum to uCity Square’s growing community hub, our strong partnerships create the conditions where collaboration becomes catalytic.
Ecosystem
Themes that Defined 2025
Ecosystem Orchestration
The Science Center doesn’t just gather stakeholders—it connects the right people at the right moment. By aligning capital, expertise, and talent, we curate the collisions that turn ideas into impact and unlock opportunity across the region and beyond.
uCity Partnership
The uCity partnership shows what happens when collaboration becomes a mindset. Shared infrastructure and shared goals bring researchers, entrepreneurs, and neighbors together, fueling a knowledge community where forward momentum feels both inclusive and inevitable.
Medtech Momentum
Medtech founders need more than a breakthrough—they need an ecosystem rich in assets. By linking startups to specialized spaces, clinical partners, investors, and expert guidance, we help promising technologies gain traction and transform healthcare delivery.
2025 Impact
uCity Square by the Numbers
uCity Square partnership:
4.4M
Existing square feet
15K
Researchers, students, academics, and innovators
4.4M
Existing square feet
15K
Researchers, students, academics, and innovators
20
Buildings
200
Businesses
“We’re building an innovation economy that includes world-class science, meaningful application, and shared economic growth.”
Tiffany Wilson, President & CEO
2025 Impact
Science Center by the Numbers
Trend Week attendees represent the full healthcare stakeholder ecosystem.
Trend Week attendees represent the full healthcare stakeholder ecosystem.
Ecosystem
Stories that Defined 2025
2025 Ecosystem Momentum
Welcoming the World to uCity Square
3675 Market and the uCity Square community continued to attract domestic and international delegations eager to learn how the Science Center, Wexford Science & Technology, and CIC have collaborated to create a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
March
Oslo Science City
The Science Center, Wexford, and CIC welcomed a delegation of 25 public- and private-sector leaders from Norway who are guiding a major development initiative spearheaded by the Norwegian government. Their visit focused on learning how we curate tenant mixes, activate spaces, and design environments that foster collaboration and economic growth.
March
Team Pennsylvania Foundation
The Science Center welcomed Team Pennsylvania's Board of Directors, made up of 30 leaders from across the Commonwealth's public and private sectors, for a meeting and guided tour of 3675 Market Street. Team Pennsylvania is a statewide organization that serves as a trusted, neutral convener—aligning strategic public and private investments to help accelerate PA's economic growth.
April
Intergovernmental Healthcare Affordability Roundtable
The Science Center hosted Senator Hughes for an intergovernmental roundtable with over 25 federal, state, and local lawmakers and healthcare leaders from across Pennsylvania including Congressmembers Dwight Evans and Mary Gay Scanlon. The goal was to bring leaders together to discuss what federal healthcare cuts could mean for Pennsylvanians.
April
InBIA Global Conference
The Science Center, in partnership with CIC and Wexford, led an ecosystem tour of uCity Square for 70 attendees during the International Conference on Business Incubation (ICBI39). Held in Philadelphia in April 2025, the global conference convened entrepreneurial support professionals to connect, share best practices, and explore emerging trends.
May
SelectUSA Investment Summit
The Science Center welcomed 20 international health tech startup leaders from over a dozen countries for a panel discussion focused on Collaborating with Health Systems in Greater Philadelphia. The delegation was part of the SelectUSA Investment Summit spinoff tour cohosted by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Delaware Prosperity Partnership, and Choose New Jersey to spotlight the region's health tech ecosystem.
May
Career Connect Learning
The Science Center, Wexford, and CIC hosted a full day of STEM career exploration for high school students as part of the School District of Philadelphia's Dare to Dream Career Week. The event featured representatives from uCity tenant companies Nafees Innovations, Two Locals, CodedBy, and CIC and hands-on activity in the FirstHand Lab.
September
Bringing the World to PA
The Science Center, Wexford, and CIC hosted representatives from twelve countries for the "Bringing the World to Pennsylvania" tour, which introduces PA ecosystems and helps inform referrals for companies abroad interested in expanding to the U.S.
September
U.S. Senatorial Staff Visit the Science Center
Over two different visits in September, the Science Center welcomed Mikaela Witherspoon, Eastern Regional Director for U.S. Senator John Fetterman, and Chris Quinn, Southeastern Regional Director for U.S. Senator David H. McCormick. The visits included a walkthrough of the campus with a stop in the FirstHand STEM learning lab, a meeting with Founder Fellow Josh Freedman and a discussion on how the Science Center's recent activities aligned with the Senators' respective priorities.
September–October
Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative
The Science Center hosted two Fellows as part of the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative Fellowship Program. The program is an opportunity for young European business professionals to expand their networks, gain perspective, and engage with the U.S. business sector to exchange innovative ideas and best practices.
December
PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Representative Amen Brown
Speaker McClinton and Representative Brown attended the FirstHand Showcase for students from Rhoads School and met with Science Center leadership to discuss the role we play in supporting and growing the life sciences industry in Philadelphia and beyond and to highlight our work introducing Philly students to STEM careers.
Up next
2025 Impact Report