About Us

Our Story

In the early 1960s, a group of leading academic and research institutions joined forces to help researchers and entrepreneurs convene, collaborate, and advance science and technology. In 1963, the University City Science Center, an independent non-profit organization, was born.

We’ve been at the forefront of the innovation economy ever since—bringing together academia, industry and capital—and as the needs of our community have evolved over the last 55+ years, so too have our offerings.

But our objective has remained constant: to help bright ideas become businesses and nurture a STEM workforce to support our 21st century economy—all while serving as a catalyst for economic growth in our region.

Today, we fulfill our mission in four ways:

Commercialize

We help healthcare and tech startups commercialize their technologies and scale, enabling new ideas to blossom and new businesses to grow and thrive.

How we Commercialize

Capital

We've made a commitment to mobilize capital for diverse founders focused on addressing health inequities.

Cultivate

We cultivate the STEM talent pipeline by introducing youth and adults to the power and potential of STEM careers through project-based learning and hands-on training.

How we Cultivate

Convene

We convene members of the innovation ecosystem, and the wider community through free, accessible spaces and engaging content.

How we Convene

Forging a Path Forward

1963

The Science Center is established and remains the oldest and largest urban research park in the country.

1973

R. Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodesic dome, joins the Science Center as World Fellow in Residence.

70s–80s

Randall M. Whaley, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Science Center, pioneers the concept of business incubation.

2000

To satisfy the need of Philadelphia’s life sciences industry for room to grow, the Science Center is the first to open shared lab space.

2009

The Science Center establishes QED as the first multi-institutional proof-of-concept program of its kind, and lays the groundwork for the suite of Commercialization programs we offer today.

2011

The Science Center establishes Quorum as a central, neutral gathering place for the innovation community. Today Quorum is one of several Convening initiatives offered by the Science Center.

2014

FirstHand launches as an important step in fostering the economic empowerment of traditionally underrepresented communities through cultivating a strong curiosity for STEM.

2015

The Science Center joins forces with Wexford Science + Technology to expand and redefine what a knowledge community can be. In 2016, Wexford joins forces with Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR), and the uCity Square partnership begins.