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 three ways:
Commercialize
We commercialize promising science and technology, working with a network of more than 40 academic and research institutions across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Our commercialization programs are designed to enable new ideas to blossom and new businesses to grow and thrive.
Convene
We convene members of the innovation ecosystem, and the wider community, by providing spaces and programs that enable researchers, entrepreneurs and neighbors to connect and share.
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, to ensure equitable access to STEM jobs that support the 21st century economy.
Forging a Path Forward
1963
The Science Center is established and remains the oldest and largest urban research park in the country.
1976
R. Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodesic dome, joins the Science Center as “resident genius.”
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.
