He’s spent the last 10 years as President & CEO of the Science Center. In April, Steve Tang will begin his next chapter leading OraSure Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR). Throughout his tenure at the Science Center, Steve has helped transform our organization into an innovation powerhouse, launching new programs, strengthening partnerships and advancing tech-based economic development in Greater Philadelphia. To celebrate his time here, we asked him to share the top five accomplishments he’s most proud of. And guess what, he came up with six! Drum roll please…
1. Five companies that launched from our Port business incubator remained in uCity Square after exiting the program. They continue to thrive in dedicated office and lab space at 3711 Market Street and 3401 Market Street, and together they account for more than 250 jobs!
- Avid Radiopharmaceuticals
- Invisible Sentinel
- Integral Molecular
- Pulsar Informatics
- Halo Labs (launched as Optofluidics)
2. Launching and scaling the suite of technology commercialization programs that now defines the Science Center: QED, Phase 1 Ventures, Digital Health Accelerator, and ic@3401. Each of these programs offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs and start-ups to scale their businesses in Philadelphia. Together they are creating jobs, generating revenue, and developing technologies that will change the world.
3. Establishing FirstHand, which partners with Philadelphia schools to introduce middle and high-school students to STEM subjects. FirstHand not only gives Philadelphia youth access to the tools, resources and expertise necessary to gain 21st Century skills, it also inspires the young minds that will fill the future innovation talent pipeline. FirstHand has given the Science Center a voice in the conversation about access and inclusion in our innovation and entrepreneurship community.
4. Convening – and celebrating – the innovation ecosystem. From Quorum, our entrepreneurs clubhouse, to Innovation Plaza, we’ve developed welcoming places where entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate and learn. The Innovators Walk of Fame celebrates the achievements of legacy innovators like R. Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodesic dome; women innovators like Kevlar inventor Stephanie Kwolek; and immigrant entrepreneurs like biotech pioneer Hubert J. P. Schoemaker.
5. Launching the largest campus expansion in the Science Center’s history. Over the next 10 years, uCity Square will grow the Science Center’s legacy campus to a total of 6.5 million square feet spanning 11 city blocks, as we develop an additional 4 million square feet of office, lab, retail, residential, and shared public space. Together with our development partner Wexford Science + Technology, we’re inventing the future of research parks and innovation hubs.
6. Leading a dedicated and inspiring team of colleagues who transformed Science Center into a dynamic hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and tech-based economic development I have no doubt they will continue to carry on our legacy of impact and take the Science Center to greater heights!
Though we’ll miss having Steve at the Science Center, we’re excited for him as he begins a new chapter with OraSure. Stay tuned for an upcoming edition of Humans of the Science Center where you’ll get to know our interim President & CEO, Curt Hess.
