Home to more than 3,000 life sciences companies, Pennsylvania is a global hub for innovation. Our booming life sciences sector is valued at nearly $50 billion and fueled by the 4th highest academic R&D expenditures in the nation. Whether you're pioneering new therapies or next-generation technologies, PA provides the infrastructure and opportunity to get it done.
Collaboration is at the heart of every breakthrough in the Commonwealth, with top-ranked universities, renowned R&D institutions, and cutting-edge incubators creating a thriving life sciences ecosystem. From Greater Philadelphia’s leadership in cell and gene therapy to strong pharmaceuticals and chemical manufacturing in the Northeast, you’ll find clusters of life sciences activities across the state. Here, world-class medical centers like UPMC and Penn Medicine work closely with biotech startups and global giants alike to advance therapies from research to real-world application.
Over the next decade, the Commonwealth's life sciences sector is expected to create more than 6,500 net new jobs across the state, with nearly 60% of that growth concentrated in R&D. We’re ready to deliver on talent and research funding, so you can get to the business of saving lives.
We are thrilled to announce the relocation of Adare’s global headquarters to Philadelphia. This decision showcases the efforts of both Pennsylvania and Philadelphia in becoming an important life sciences hub for companies like Adare. It is crucial for us to have access to a highly skilled talent pool and key markets, and the Philadelphia area provides exactly what we need.”
— Tom Sellig, CEO, Adare Pharma Solutions (Philadelphia)
relocated to Pennsylvania in 2024, supported by an investment from DCED.
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Governor Josh Shapiro and GSK leadership announced the global biopharma company’s major investment of up to $800 million in Pennsylvania that will increase its research and development (R&D) and manufacturing footprint at its existing facility in Lancaster County. The Commonwealth is investing $21 million in the Lancaster County project, which will create 200 new, high-paying jobs.
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Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth is investing nearly $3 million in Adare Pharma Solutions to support the life sciences company’s growth and headquarters relocation to Pennsylvania from New Jersey. Within three years, Adare’s $16.8 million expansion will create at least 115 new, well-paying jobs and retain 200 existing Pennsylvania jobs. Adare received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $2.4 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loan, a $460,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $100,000 workforce development grant to train workers.
The Pennsylvania Life Sciences Greenhouse initiative operates across a network of three regional life sciences organizations. These organizations support the development and growth of the life science ecosystem through critical early-stage funding and sector-specific business expertise.
The BFTP are a national model for technology-based economic development programs. BFTP provides both early-stage, technology-based firms and established manufacturers with funding, business and technical expertise, and access to a network of innovative, expert resources.
University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Center for Innovation facilitates technology transfer from university research to the private sector through licensing, R&D alliances, and other commercial partnering opportunities. Opportunities exist in a broad range of sectors, including nanotechnology, electronic materials, robotics, computer information systems, bioengineering, medical devices, and more.
The Innovation Partnership helps Pennsylvania-based companies secure federal funding opportunities through the SBIR/STTR programs. It is a statewide consortium of economic development, business assistance, and higher education organizations that provide early-stage technology companies with free proposal writing assistance, training, and financial assistance.
The University City Science Center is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization helping healthcare and tech startups commercialize and scale up their technologies. Convening members of the innovation ecosystem from across industry, academia, and finance, the Science Center helps mobilize capital, cultivates STEM talent, and supports the ongoing growth of the life sciences industry.
The Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh are part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as the Center for Wheelchairs and Assistive Robotics Engineering. HERL’s work improves the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation.