
September 13, 2022
8 AM - 3 PM
The Union League of Philadelphia
140 S Broad St, Philadelphia
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A Special Full-Day Conference for Life Science, Design and Real Estate Professionals
Traditionally, the life science real estate industry has been defined by the convergence of science, medicine and commercialization in global efforts to improve human health. With the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, the growth in this segment of life sciences has accelerated with a strong emphasis on Precision Medicine, targeted personalized cancer treatment and Precision Wellness. All of these areas combine a focus on genomics and biology with other technologies such as wearable technologies, big data and artificial intelligence.
With a rich history of research and pharmaceutical development, Philadelphia is poised to be a leader in this field. From the early beginnings in 1740, with the establishment of the University of Pennsylvania through the development of major pharma companies like Merck in the 1800s, the region has grown with the life science industry and amassed a deep and educated labor pool. Today, the area is home to six medical schools, including four NCI-designated cancer centers, and the top-rated Children’s Hospital in the U.S. – Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. 100+ colleges and universities are located within 50 miles of Philadelphia, 80% of all pharmaceutical and biotech companies have offices in Greater Philly and more than 2,000 medical technology companies are located here.
The time seems right to bring the life science and real estate communities together for a close look at scientific and business trends, investment and commercialization efforts, as well as leading real estate development projects and the challenges ahead.
September 13, 2022 • Philadelphia, PA
Philly Builds BIO+: Inaugural Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development brought the life science and real estate communities together around the key drivers of the life science industry in Philadelphia (its opportunity and potential), and the opportunities and challenges of life science real estate development in the region.

The Symposium was especially timely since Philly has recently risen in the national rankings amongst major life science hubs and is attracting record amounts of venture capital as well as developer interest and major high-profile life science real estate development projects.
The Symposium consisted of keynote speakers and panel discussions, each moderated by a prominent scientist, business leader or Philly real estate developer. View Agenda
The Symposium concluded with the introduction of a new membership and programming initiative, called Philly Builds BIO+ led by Nancy J Kelley and Mitch Simpler, Founding Members of NYC Builds BIO+ and other leading members of the Philly life science and real estate development community, who have served on the Steering Committee for the Symposium. Profits from the meeting will be used to support the creation and operation of a Philly Builds BIO+ Initiative.
“If the 20th century was the century of physics, the 21st century will be the century of biology.”
Craig Venter
The Agenda of the Symposium focused on:
- Philadelphia’s Future of Innovation Founded on an Illustrious Past
- The Science Driving Innovation and Commercialization
- The Funding Fueling Innovation
- Nurturing Innovation Through Incubator and Accelerator Programs
- Celebrating Life Science Success with Revolutionary Life Science Treatment
- Commercial Opportunities for Life Sciences in Philly
- How Philly Stacks Up in Meeting the Needs of Life Science Companies
- Commercial Opportunities for Life Science Development in Philly and the Surrounding Environs
- The Challenges that Philly Life Science Faces
Speakers included prominent leaders from the academic and life sciences sector and life science real estate development community, focusing on new voices that had not yet been heard in Philly’s life science conversations in order to offer new information and a new perspective.
The Symposium is organized by NYC Builds BIO+, a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that launched a similar and very successful initiative in 2018 in New York City and has since become an active membership organization working to educate and increase the visibility of commercial life sciences opportunities through events, research, reports and educational programs.
Leading members of the Philly academic, life science, government, association and real estate development communities have formed a Steering Committee for the Symposium.
TESTIMONIALS
"Looking forward to Philly Builds Bio+! Amazing inaugural event. Congratulations!"
"Great combination of science and business!"
"Good turnout, especially some corporate life sciences players."
"The speakers and panels were even more informative than I realized."
"The materials provided in the program guide provided an excellent information for us to follow up after the event."
"It was a great event and a great venue!"
Comparative Study Ranks Philadelphia Region #2 Among 14 Cell and Gene Therapy Hubs
In a newly released study comparing 14 U.S. cell and gene therapy hubs in five key categories, the Philadelphia region ranks #2 among U.S. locations. This report was done by CEO Council for Growth in Philadelphia. It helps to confirm the broad life science real estate trends that were highlighted at the Philly Builds Bio Inaugural Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development.
VIEW REPORT (PDF)
