Who We Are
The Science Center is a nucleus for innovation, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. The thinkers, doers and entrepreneurs who walk our halls and fill our labs are at the core of the Science Center and bring to life the ideas that will revolutionize our collective future.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire and lead a diverse and inclusive community of innovation and entrepreneurship that nurtures and scales economic development through technology commercialization, business growth and civic engagement.
Philadelphia is our home.
As part of a vibrant city and region with world-class science and innovation assets, we're proud to call Philly home. As Center City moves west towards our location in the heart of University City, we're transforming our campus into uCity Square, a community of ingenuity where bright minds will flourish and thrive.
Our Background & History
When the Science Center was founded in 1963 as a nonprofit enterprise, the war on cancer had not been declared, astronauts had yet to walk on the moon, and the microprocessor was years away. Today, we’re tackling the scientific and technological challenges of tomorrow.
1963
Five eds & meds organizations join forces to establish the Science Center.
1970
Randall M. Whaley, Ph. D. joins the Science Center as President & CEO, pioneering business incubation.
1976
R. Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodisic dome, joins the Science Center as “resident genius.”
1982
Centocor graduates from the Science Center after a successful IPO.
1986
Bentley Systems graduates from the Science Center.
1999
Market Street in West Philly is designated the Avenue of Technology.
2000
The Port business incubator opens.
2008
The first class of DreamIt Ventures is housed at the Port.
2011
Quorum, the entrepreneurs clubhouse, opens.
2014
3601 Market, the Science Center’s first residential project, breaks ground.
2015
The Science Center joins forces with Wexford Science + Technology to expand and rebrand its footprint as uCity Square
2017
Science Center breaks ground on 3675 Market Street, new home of Science Center HQ, Quorum and the FirstHand Lab
Collaboration is in our DNA.
Collaboration, connection and community are at the heart of the Science Center. With 31 shareholders (as shown on the adjacent map) representing the top academic and research institutions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and accomplished leaders serving on our Board of Directors, we're regional and collaborative both by nature and design
The Impact We Make
By convening and supporting Greater Philadelphia's innovation ecosystem, we help catalyze new ideas and technologies, drive economic growth, and unlock the region’s potential for a world-class future.
400+
organizations have graduated from the Science Center since 1963.
12,000+
people are employed by the 155 incubator residents and graduates in the region.
$13 B
in annual economic output is generated by graduate and resident organizations.
$290 M
in private capital and government funding has been raised by Port companies since 2006.
Where We're Headed
The Science Center is in the midst of a transformation that will help us expand Greater Philadelphia's role in the innovation ecosystem. As we embark on the next chapter of our narrative, our commitment to helping visionaries invent the future remains steadfast. Please join us on our journey.