The Nucleus Awards
Celebrating 60 years of scientific innovation, the Science Center honored the work of Daniel M. Skovronsky, M.D., Ph.D., Margaret Berger Bradley, Sheila D. Ireland and Sulaiman W. Rahman during our annual Nucleus Awards, presented by CSL. All four individuals have demonstrated leadership in fostering a more innovative, collaborative, and equitable future.
FirstHand
Students participating in our Firsthand program gained real world, hands-on experience and connection to the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Philadelphia. The year culminated in a series of showcases during which they created, tested, and designed biodegradable polymers while learning what it means to be a scientist.
BULB
Building an Understanding of Lab Basics (BULB) program connects Philadelphians to STEM training that teaches the skills sought after in Philadelphia's growing life sciences industry. One of this year’s highlights was a chance to hear from cell and gene therapy company, WuXi AppTec learning about the challenges and opportunities within the industries. Utilizing space at CIC labs, they also had a chance to role of up their sleeves in the lab isolating wild and mutant type Drosophila DNA and running a gel electrophoresis.
Venture Café Philadelphia
Venture Café Philadelphia celebrated its 5th anniversary this year! It is here that valuable resources, impactful programming, and the opportunity for hundreds of serendipitous connections every week. Since the first Thursday Gathering 5 years ago, Venture Café has welcomed over 34,000 guests to 815 sessions led by more than 1,800 speakers.
Future of Neighborhoods
What do safer, healthier, more sustainable neighborhoods look like? Venture Café explored the topic across multiple Thursday Gatherings in 2023, featuring insights from grass roots organizations and community advocates centered around innovation, collaboration, and health equity. Continuing into 2024, the series will culminate with the exhibition Futures Without Guns, an exhibition featuring nine artists envisioning the possibilities for a future free from gun violence.
Proof Positive
Proof Positive is designed to help entrepreneurs identify and understand their target market and the needs of their potential customers. The second cohort wrapped up with its final session that featured founder presentations on lessons learned throughout the four-week program.
Capital Readiness Program
The Capital Readiness Program (CRP) prepares startups on how to raise their first round of investment from institutional investors. There were three cohorts in 2023 with the last one held in December. Twelve companies heard from experts covering IP, regulatory and compliance, HR and other topics critical to startup success. Companies participating in this year’s program have raised $7.8M dollars in capital to support their businesses.
Supporting the Science Center
These highlights, and all Science Center programming, are offered for free thanks to the generosity of our donors. Your gift helps to sustain the Science Center as we work toward a more equitable future for all.
