Pennovation Center
The Pennovation Works is anchored by the Pennovation Center, a business incubator and laboratory that aligns and integrates researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs for the commercialization of research discoveries. Intended to marry entrepreneurs with an expert workforce and scientifically advanced facilities, key features of the Pennovation Center are the common creative spaces, including coworking areas, a cafe, and a venue for events and programs.
Pennovation Center North Façade
By creating an atmosphere for collaboration, creativity, and productivity for innovators from all disciplines, the Pennovation Center brings people together to foster interaction and the exchange of ideas. Interior spaces in the 58,000 sqft building emphasize daylighting and retain an industrial character to develop social space with a "cool factor," while an adjacent outdoor plaza focuses activity on the site and link surrounding buildings and open spaces to this new hub.
Landscaping for the entire site includes stormwater management techniques, increased connections between buildings, and access to Schuylkill River trails. Wayfinding and signage fosters an identity for the site, and increases visibility of the site and the Center from the surrounding area.
The campus development plan, Penn Connects, recommends sustainable development for all new projects. The Pennovation Center has been awared a LEED Gold rating by the US Green Building Council.
The Pennovation Center is operated and staffed by the award-winning innovation management company, 1776. The Center staff includes a full time Managing Director, Community Manager, and Lab Manager, who ensure that our members and tenants have a world class experience each day and manage all meetings and special events.
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Upcoming Events
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May 19 2021 - 10:00am
Office Hours with Daniel E. Sineway of MM&M [Virtual]
10:00AM to 12:00PM
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May 26 2021 - 9:00am
PCIV Office Hours with Bhavana Mohanraj [Virtual]
9:00AM to 12:00PM
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May 27 2021 - 11:30am
Board Meetings 101: tips & best practices for conducting successful board meetings [Virtual]
11:30AM to 12:30PM
Programs
The Pennovation Center, through a collaboration with PCI Ventures and 1776, produces and hosts a robust series of programs, training meetings, and events each month. Our signature events and programs are detailed below. All current event offerings from PCI and other Penn organizations in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship ecosystem can be found online at pci.upenn.edu/event-calendar
These are the types of programs you’ll see at the Pennovation Center:
Mentor-in-Residence (MIR) Program
The Mentor-in-Residence (MIR) Program pairs startup companies with accomplished entrepreneurs and industry leaders who serve as informal advisors. The Mentors participate in the development of PCI Ventures portfolio companies and Pennovation Center members, providing advice on business strategy, market penetration and fundraising. The Mentors also bring with them a wide network of contacts that the companies will be able to leverage.
Learn more about the MIR Program and meet the 2021 mentors.
Pennovation Accelerator
The Pennovation Accelerator invites a cohort of local startups to engage in a six-week virtual program to develop their business strategy and cultivate their network. Cohort companies participate in weekly educational sessions presented by subject matter experts. Each company is paired with an experienced mentor to advise them on their journey. In addition, curated networking opportunities help companies make connections into the larger Philadelphia entrepreneurial community.
The Pennovation Accelerator concludes with Pitch Day, where companies pitch to mentors, investors, and peers.
Read and download the 2020 Pennovation Accelerator Pitch Day Program.
JPOD@Philadelphia Quick Fire Challenge
Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JJI), JLABS launched the JPOD @ Philadelphia QuickFire Challenge to accelerate healthcare innovation and commercialization in the region. The innovator with the best idea, technology, or solution that improves human healthcare will receive grant funding, residency at the Pennovation Center, access to educational programs at JPOD, and mentoring from the JJI network of experts.
Visit The Challenge site for more details.
Startup Grind
Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. Powered by Google for Entrepreneurs, the organization hosts monthly events in more than 150 cities and 65 countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Philadelphia chapter events are produced by 1776. Past guests have included Josh Kopelman of First Round Capital, Robert Moore of RJ Metrics, Bob Moul of Artisan and Gabriel Weinberg of DuckDuckGo.
Membership at the Center
Members are solopreneurs, multi-person startups, freelancers and/or mobile professionals working, collaborating and engaging within Pennovation Center.
The space features offices, lab benches, Inventor Garages and coworking desks on two floors and flexible floor plans to fit any budget and workstyle.
Some memberships tiers include 24/7 access, allowing tenants to produce their best work during non-traditional hours.
You'll be in great company...take a look at a current list of our Member Companies.
Learn more about becoming a Pennovation Center Member
2nd floor Pitch Bleacher
Benefits
Based on your membership level, Pennovation Center members have access to:
- High quality, ergonomic workstations and furniture
- Use of conference room & audio and video conferencing
- Use of the Pitch Bleacher, the Pennovation plaza and other common areas
- Light Administrative support
- Mail and package delivery
- Basic office supplies
- Gourmet coffee & snacks
- Purified water
- Common kitchenette
- On-site café
- B&W/color networked printing, scanning, copying and faxing
- Use of small breakout and phone niches
- Use of PBX phone system for domestic calls
- Use of monitors and projectors for presentations
- Enterprise IT infrastructure with dedicated bandwidth
Pricing
The following flexible options are available depending on the stage of the concept, invention or company. At the Pennovation Center, members can experience the collaborative energy of open coworking spaces in the heart, create your inventions in our Inventor Garages, conduct research in our state of the art labs, or write and produce your work from the quiet of a private office.
Private Offices: $1499–$1999 per month
Lab Benches: $999 per month
Inventor Garages: $2099 per month
Coworking Desks:
The Resident: $399 per month
- Dedicated Desk
- 24/7 Access
- 6 hours of conference room time per month
- Lobby signage
- Mail/Package delvery
- Lockable storage
- Preferred rates for special meetings and events
The Coworker: $299 per month
- Non-Dedicated Desk
- M-F Access
- 4 hours of conference room time per month
- Lobby signage
- Mail/Package delivery
- Lockable storage
- Prefered rates for special meetings and events
Mobile Pro: $199 per month
- Non-Dedicated Desk
- M-F Access/10 days per month
- 2 hours of conference room time per month
Mobile: $99 per month
- Non-Dedicated Desk
- M-F Access/5 days per month
Event Rentals
Please note: due to COVID-19, we are currently unable to host events at the Center.
The Pennovation Center features conference rooms, collaboration zones, and flexible spaces ideal for a variety of professional and social occasions. With support from our network of planning and production professionals, we help members and guests stage corporate events, networking mixers, offsite retreats, workshops, and conferences.
Download our Events Brochure to review our available spaces and resources, and fill out the form below to get in touch with our team about hosting an event at the Pennovation Center. We look for events aligned with the Center's mission to support innovation and entrepreneurship.
Inquire about hosting your event at the Pennovation Center.
First floor social space and central bleacher
Second floor coworking space and labs
