
Why Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of America, but also of American medicine. After opening the first hospital, the Philadelphia region has grown to one of the strongest life sciences sector in the country. The City is capitalizing on its assets to become a leader in research generated by life sciences and educational institutions, with core concentrations in gene therapy, biotech, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and health IT.
With more than 11 million square feet of life sciences real estate, Philadelphia is ranked No. 4 of the Top 20 Destinations in U.S. Cities for medical meetings, according to the 2013 State of the Industry Report issued by the Healthcare Convention Exhibitors Association (HCEA).
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Incubators, Leading Companies and Universities
► Is the 6th largest workforce that includes highly skilled talent in key industries such as life sciences, energy and manufacturing, technology, financial services and more.
► Is ranked as the best city in America for diversity in science, tech, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, by SmartAsset.
► Is home to the nation’s first hospital, medical school, children’s hospital, college of pharmacy and medical library.
► Has added more than 135,000 millennials over the last decade, a trend that creates an attractive talent pipeline for life sciences firms seeking a talented workforce.
► Has over 100 degree-granting institutions enrolling 440,000 full and part-time students and 90,000 degrees annually according to Select Greater Philadelphia.
LIFE SCIENCES & HEALTHCARE
Philadelphia’s extensive life sciences community includes 7 medical schools, 22 nursing schools, 2 dental schools, 3 colleges of pharmacy, a veterinary school, a school of optometry, a podiatry school, 100 hospitals and numerous biomedical and pharmaceutical companies.
Energy With a dynamic and unique infrastructure of pipes, rails, highways, and ports—combined with the access to natural gas reserves, deep experience in oil refining, and engineering expertise—Greater Philadelphia is already a world-class epicenter for energy production and distribution that is now evolving into the next Global Energy Hub.
Pharmaceuticals Greater Philadelphia is home to some of the top names in biotechnology and pharma. These leading firms play an important regional role in growing and sustaining the local innovation pipeline. With a growing healthcare industry, an increasing academic technology transfer, and world-class colleges and universities with strong R&D programs, Greater Philadelphia’s presence in pharmaceuticals remains one of the strongest in the world.
Medical Device Manufacturing Greater Philadelphia is a premier location for the design, development, and manufacture of therapeutic, medical, and dental devices. From brain scanners and implants to endovascular products and orthopedic devices, our region is already home to more than 2,000 medical technology companies. According to the U.S. Medical Technology Association AdvaMed, the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware corridor accounts for one of the largest concentrations of medical technology companies in the country, right behind California.
Healthcare Information Technology Greater Philadelphia has a rich network of world-renowned research institutions, biotech and contract research organizations, global inventors of medicines, medical devices and diagnostics, and 15 major health systems. Eighty percent of the U.S. pharmaceutical and biotech industry has a presence in the Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania corridor.
Manufacturing Strategically located and globally connected through robust infrastructure, the region’s extensive supply chain and distribution networks combine with a highly skilled workforce and access to low-cost energy to help to make this region a top destination for diverse manufacturing operations.
Chemical manufacturers have been an important part of the regional economy for a long time. With over 26,000 employees at 350 establishments, Greater Philadelphia is one of the top employers in the chemicals industry among major U.S. metros. It’s also home to some of the most renowned chemical companies in the world.
Philadelphia Hot Spots
Ben Franklin Technology Partners:
BioAdvance
Invests venture capital in therapies, medical devices, research tools, diagnostics and health ITin the Mid-Atlantic region.
Center for Applied Genomics
University City Science Center
The Wistar Institute
Penn Center for Innovation
Jefferson Accelerator Zone
The Science History Institute