There are only 23 business incubators in the world recognized by the
National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) for their ability to relocate and serve international startups. Philly has one of them.
Since its inception in 2006,
the University City Science Center Port Business Incubator's Global Soft Landing Program has helped companies from Europe, Asia and other parts of the world put roots down the region. NBIA recently acknowledged the program's continued achievements by renewing their
Soft Landings International Incubator Designation.
The program engages international companies with educational, investment and networking opportunities. They also work one-on-one to help newbies maximize their transition to the U.S. market.
"We offer these companies concierge-type services, connecting them to representatives of the markets they're interested in," explains Christopher Laing, VP of science and technology at the Science Center.
Recently, the Port Incubator partnered with the Canadian Consulate to establish a branch of the
Canadian Technology Accelerator in Philadelphia. So far, the accelerator has brought six Health IT startups to the area; they are preparing to bring six more in the fall. Other imports include
Adaptimmune and the
Beijing Genomics Institute.
To connect to international startups, the Science Center partners with international trade organizations as well as the
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and
Select Greater Philadelphia. Companies are often attracted to Philadelphia's education and life science ecosystems, and the central location between New York and Washington, D.C.
"We can offer international companies the same access to those networks that we offer domestic companies," says Jeanne Mell, VP of marketing and communications for the Science Center.
The University City Science Center has partnered with Flying Kite to showcase innovation in Greater Philadelphia through the "Inventing the Future" series.
Source: Jeanne Mell, Christopher Laing, University City Science Center
Writer: Dana Henry