PHILADELPHIA--(May 23, 2018) – The University City Science Center announced today that it has launched a $3 million “Ignite Innovation” Campaign, as it prepares to move into new headquarters at 3675 Market Street in Philadelphia. The campaign is off to a strong start with support totaling $1.1 million from the University of Pennsylvania and Wexford Science & Technology, LLC.
Funds raised will help the Science Center continue to inspire ideas, innovators and early-stage companies through the expansion of programming in its new location. Ignite Innovation funding will directly support the Science Center’s ability to scale and impact the entrepreneurial ecosystem through Quorum, Greater Philadelphia’s gathering space for the innovation ecosystem, and FirstHand, the Science Center’s STEM program for middle and high school students. Funding will allow Quorum to continue to offer its free signature programming that the start-up community has relied on as a “go-to” source for thought leadership, advice and connections. And FirstHand will be able to expand its nationally-recognized STEM-focused programming to more students at more schools in Philadelphia.
“Thanks to Wexford and the University of Pennsylvania’s support, we are able to equip scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and students with the resources they need to spur innovation in Greater Philadelphia – and continue making a positive impact in the world”
“Thanks to Wexford and the University of Pennsylvania’s support, we are able to equip scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and students with the resources they need to spur innovation in Greater Philadelphia – and continue making a positive impact in the world,” says Curtis M. Hess, Interim President and CEO of the Science Center.
“The University of Pennsylvania is proud to support the Science Center. By fostering a fertile and thriving innovation ecosystem, the Science Center plays an integral part in driving economic activity in our region,” says Craig R. Carnaroli, Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania and Chairman of the Board of the Science Center. “The growth and development of the Science Center’s programs will help retain talented students and researchers in Philadelphia, enabling start-ups to grow, scale and contribute to the vitality of our region.”
“Supporting Quorum, the largest gathering space in Philadelphia dedicated to promoting collaboration and entrepreneurship in the region’s innovation ecosystem, is essential to the success and continued growth of uCity Square. We are delighted to make this philanthropic investment in the Science Center,” says James Berens, Founder and CEO, Wexford Science & Technology.
Additional support for the Ignite Innovation campaign comes from Knoll and their dealer partner CFI, recognized as Quorum’s furniture sponsor.
For more information about Ignite Innovation, please go to: www.sciencecenter.org/donate.
About the Science Center
Located in the heart of uCity Square, the Science Center is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that catalyzes and connects innovation to entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. For 50+ years, the Science Center has supported startups, research, and economic development in the life sciences, healthcare, physical sciences, and emerging technology sectors. As a result, graduate firms and current residents of the Science Center’s incubator support one out of every 100 jobs in the Greater Philadelphia region and drive $13 billion in economic activity in the region annually. By providing resources and programming for any stage of a business’s lifecycle, the Science Center helps scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators take their concepts from idea to IPO – and beyond.
For more information about the Science Center, go to www.sciencecenter.org
