PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 16, 2025) – The 2025 Nucleus Awards, presented by CSL, will honor four visionary leaders for their work across the region’s innovation and STEM ecosystem. These individuals have shown leadership and innovation in commercializing promising technology, allocating capital, convening the community, and cultivating a STEM workforce.
The Nucleus Awards is an industry-recognized celebration of Philadelphia’s role as global leader in advancing science and technology innovation and economic growth. Hosted by WHYY’s Maiken Scott, the Nucleus Awards will take place on September 30th at 3675 Market Street in Philadelphia.
2025 Nucleus Awards honorees:
Commercialization Award: Nicholas A. Siciliano, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Vittoria Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Award Sponsor: Wexford Science + Technology and Ventas
Nick is a seasoned leader with two decades of C-suite experience at biotechnology companies. He was previously the CEO and Co-Founder of Invisible Sentinel, a Philadelphia based molecular diagnostics company. Under his leadership, the company’s proprietary products were sold into multiple end-markets, culminating with a successful acquisition by bioMerieux, Inc., where Nick then led U.S. Sales and Marketing. Nick also has extensive experience launching new biotechnology companies in the Greater Philadelphia Region and now advises life sciences companies and early-stage venture funds. In addition to serving as CEO of Vittoria, he also serves on the Board of NexEOS Bio.
Capital Award: 1315 Capital
Award Sponsor: tristate capital
1315 Capital is a private investment firm with over $1 billion of assets under management that provides growth capital to commercial-stage healthcare services, pharmaceutical and medtech outsourced services, pharmaceutical and medtech products, and health and wellness companies. The firm targets markets where high-quality management teams can rapidly scale platform companies into large and important businesses that positively impact patients, physicians, and the broader healthcare system. 1315 Capital makes minority and majority investments of $5 million to $50 million.
Cultivator Award: Steven Hess, Data Analytics Manager, PECO
In his role at PECO, an electric & gas utility serving greater Philadelphia, Steve leads, plans, and manages PECO’s analytics roadmap to implement new strategies, projects, and data solutions. Steve collaborates with PECO’s community partners to develop data analysis training programs for local high school students. Currently, he is spearheading the launch of the Data Analytics Career Pathway Apprenticeship pilot that will give the next generation of data professionals access to foundational programs in the field.
Convener Award: Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Senior Vice President, Philadelphia and Scientific Advancement, The Pew Charitable Trusts
Award Sponsor: KPMG
As Senior Vice President at Pew, Donna leads the organization’s work throughout the Philadelphia region and in scientific advancement. She oversees local research, policy, and grantmaking to help all residents thrive; the Evidence Project, which brings funders together to reimagine how research informs public policy; and Pew’s programs in biomedical sciences and marine conservation. She currently serves as vice chair and director of National Urban Fellows Inc., and as a director of the Hip Hop Library and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Foundation.
“Our 2025 Nucleus honorees are driving real change - bringing groundbreaking technologies to market, fueling investment, building and convening communities, and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders,” said Tiffany Wilson, President & CEO of the Science Center. “Their work reflects the values at the heart of the Science Center: innovation and impact. We’re proud to honor Nick Siciliano, 1315 Capital, Steven Hess, and Donna Frisby-Greenwood for their contributions to a stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystem here in Philadelphia and beyond.”
“Innovation drives scientific advancement and CSL is proud to support the Science Center’s mission to power progress that advances science and healthcare innovation, uplifts communities, and improves lives,” said Bill Mezzanotte, M.D., Executive Vice President, Head of R&D at CSL and a member of the Science Center’s Board of Directors. “This year’s Nucleus Awards honorees represent the entrepreneurial spirit that adds enduring value to our communities. We’re honored to recognize Nick, Steven, and Donna, and the team at 1315 Capital on their incredible achievements this year.”
Funds raised through Nucleus Awards help sustain Science Center activities, which in 2024 alone supported the growth of 57 startups and engaged nearly 350 students through immersive STEM education.
For more information about the Nucleus Awards, honorees, and how to purchase tickets, visit sciencecenter.org/nucleus-awards.
About the Science Center
The Science Center is Philadelphia’s premier catalyst of entrepreneurial activity, healthcare innovation, and economic growth. Established in 1963, the nonprofit has been recognized by The Brookings Institution as a best-in-class investor, mentor, and economic development partner for young technology companies. Working alongside industry partners and leading research and academic institutions across the globe, the Science Center has supported hundreds of early and growth-stage companies that have a combined $7.8B annual economic impact on Greater Philadelphia. Today, the organization advances healthcare innovation from idea to the marketplace through best-in-class startup acceleration initiatives and provides nationally recognized STEM education curricula for Philadelphia youth. For more information, visit sciencecenter.org.
