Philadelphia Life Sciences Conference

Greater Philadelphia sits at the forefront of a dynamic life sciences evolution, where strategic decision-making today will shape the trajectory of the region’s biotech and innovation economy for years to come. As funding landscapes shift, groundbreaking research emerges, and tenant demands evolve, stakeholders across commercial real estate, including developers, investors, and brokers, need critical insights to navigate the complex marketplace.

Philadelphia boasts robust research institutions, cutting-edge talent, and a collaborative ecosystem uniquely positioned to nurture startups into thriving enterprises. But retaining these innovative companies locally demands strategic investment and thoughtfully designed infrastructure. This event provides essential guidance on fostering a robust “bench-to-market” pipeline, securing creative financing amid challenging market conditions, and capitalizing on opportunities poised to reshape the region.

Join industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers as they delve deep into strategies for attracting and retaining tenants, leveraging financial tools, and building the resilient and adaptive infrastructure needed for Philadelphia’s sustained growth in life sciences real estate.

What You Will Learn:

• Philadelphia’s “Secret Sauce” for Startups: The city offers a unique blend of assets for life science entrepreneurs – world-class research institutions producing cutting-edge IP and talent, plus a culture of collaboration where academia, industry, and government actively work together. Hear how this has created fertile ground for startups. For instance, the University City Science Center’s expansion with Wexford and Ventas now spans 11 city blocks and houses 200+ companies, providing critical lab space and networking for entrepreneurs. We’ll hear success stories of companies that started in a campus lab or incubator and grew into standalone firms, illustrating the “incubation-to-graduation” pipeline now established in Philly .
• Retaining Homegrown Companies: What does it takes to keep companies in the region through their growth stages. Philadelphia’s “bench-to-market” pathway is increasingly robust, a company can start at a university lab, launch at a BioLabs or B+Labs incubator, then move up to a larger space in the city, and even establish manufacturing at sites like the Navy Yard, all without leaving Greater Philadelphia . This continuum (rare among cities) is a selling point. Hear how to leverage initiatives and how to address any gaps so that Philly’s brightest biotech companies scale up locally rather than relocate.
• Capital Markets and Development Strategy: Higher interest rates and cautious lenders have forced developers to be more strategic, often requiring pre-leases for new projects. Experts will share how they are securing financing, using creative tools (C-PACE, JV partnerships) and timing projects to ride out the storm .
• Philadelphia’s Competitive Edge: Highlight fundamentals keeping Philly on top – huge research institutions and NIH funding, a rise in lab rents in University City, and abundant STEM talent. These factors, plus a cost advantage, position the region to rebound strongly as confidence returns.
• Developer Financing Strategies in a Tight Market: With traditional debt financing more expensive, developers have had to get creative to fund projects. Panelists will share firsthand experiences structuring deals, (including C-PACE and regional bank loans) amid a tough lending environment. Examine how life science projects can leverage public sector support and how some developers are deferring or phasing projects to align with capital availability.
• Opportunities on the Horizon: Despite the current caution, Philadelphia’s fundamentals continue to attract interest. Are developers quietly assembling capital to pounce on distressed lab assets or conversions at a discount? Will the suburban markets (with their lower costs and existing pharma infrastructure) see a faster revival? And how can public initiatives be leveraged to catalyze public-private investment in new research facilities or workforce training centers?