Philadelphia is famous for its mouthwatering cheesesteaks, iconic Rocky steps, and mark on American history, but did you know it’s also quickly climbing the ranks as a leading city for life sciences innovation? That’s right, Philadelphia is more than just a historical treasure and offers an ideal environment for trailblazers looking to shape the future of healthcare.
With its central location, rich concentration of research institutions, specialized facilities, and ongoing economic investments, Philadelphia has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations for both established companies and ambitious startups leading the next generation of life science innovation.
Philadelphia’s Rise as a Life Sciences Hub
Philadelphia’s evolution into a life sciences hub didn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of long-term strategic investments, collaborative efforts, and a citywide commitment to innovation. Today, more than 1,200 life science companies operate here and that number continues to grow.
While Philadelphia has always been a science-driven city, the discovery of the Philadelphia chromosome in 1960 marked a key breakthrough in cancer research, putting the city on the life sciences map as a leader in cell biology and genetics.
Over the past few decades, the city has built upon that legacy through industry collaborations and academic advancements and has established itself as a global leader in cell and gene advanced therapies (CGT). The Chamber of Commerce reports that since 2019, Philadelphia has attracted more than $362 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for CGT, placing it second nationwide ahead of other top biotech hubs like San Francisco and New York.
Philadelphia’s life sciences ecosystem will continue to thrive because it offers unique access to cutting-edge resources like the ZEISS Microscopy Solutions Center at the CIC Labs & Innovation Campus in Philadelphia. CIC’s latest collaboration with ZEISS equips scientists with unparalleled access to advanced imaging equipment including automated solutions, an in-demand confocal microscope, and an AI-based image analysis toolkit. This equipment offers capabilities few other shared facilities can match and drive advancements in cellular therapeutics, oncology, autoimmune diseases, and other critical fields.
Philadelphia Governor Josh Shapiro’s recent economic plan also aims to bolster the city’s commitment and focus on supporting and expanding the life sciences industry, which is currently valued at $50 billion. With initiatives aimed at strengthening Philadelphia’s research capabilities and fostering collaboration, the city is poised to remain a dominating force in addressing some of the most complex challenges in healthcare.
Philadelphia’s Central Role In Fostering Collaboration
Philadelphia is a prime location for life science companies. Nestled between New York and Washington D.C., it sits at the heart of the East Coast’s biotech and pharmaceutical corridor which gives companies unrivaled access to major markets and research centers.
CIC Philadelphia is in the heart of a buzzing “innovation district” called University City. Similar to Cambridge’s Kendall Square, where MIT anchors a thriving innovation community, key academic institutions like the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and Drexel University offer breakthrough research, top-tier talent, and access to extensive clinical and laboratory resources that help drive innovation.
Century Therapeutics, a biotech company on a mission to expand patient access to life-saving cell therapies, has leveraged CIC Philadelphia’s collaborative lab space and close proximity to UPenn and Drexel to accelerate its research on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“We are actively working towards starting our first clinical trial,” said Indu Ramachandran, Head of Translational Development at Century Therapeutics. “For me, CIC offers a lot of benefits. Number one is a collaborative shared space. You also get to meet colleagues from other companies who have similar interests so you get to share thoughts, resources, and technologies. I think that’s truly important for biotech companies and startups. We’ve also really benefited from being in proximity to UPenn and Drexel, and as a small company, access to the innovation ecosystem has been really important for our growth and expansion.”
Access to Specialized Facilities
In addition to its collaborative ecosystem, Philadelphia’s infrastructure is another huge draw for life sciences companies. With 23.7 million square feet of lab space already available and another 2.5 million square feet under construction, the city is geared up to support a wide range of life science research and development.
Innovators value the facilities at CIC Philadelphia because of our extensive resources. With access to more than $5 million in shared lab equipment, CIC provides a level of capability that few other shared labs can match. These invaluable resources enable researchers to accelerate their work and drive innovation forward.
Philadelphia’s Vibrant Culture Fuels Innovation
CIC Philadelphia is proud to be in West Philadelphia, where we are committed to the local community and uplifting its rich culture and local entrepreneurs.
Beyond its world-class facilities, Philadelphia’s deep historical roots and vibrant culture make it a unique place to innovate. Known as the birthplace of American independence, the city’s historical sites, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, infuse a sense of purpose and legacy for companies laying roots here.
Philadelphia’s lively art scene and active entrepreneurial community only add to the city’s charm and appeal. The juxtaposition of old and new, blending of historic significance and modern technological advancements, creates the perfect environment for creativity and forward thinking to flourish.
Companies that work in shared lab and office spaces reap additional benefits. Shared lab and office spaces not only provide important access to equipment but also connections to a supportive ecosystem of like-minded innovators in a space that feels more collegiate than corporate.
Plan a Visit to CIC Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s life sciences industry is rapidly growing and its supportive infrastructure and connected community offer unmatched opportunities for research, collaboration, and growth. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, visiting CIC Philadelphia will give you a firsthand look at how this vibrant ecosystem is shaping the future of life science innovation.
Ready to see it yourself? Book a tour of CIC Philadelphia and discover how this vibrant community can accelerate your innovation journey.
