CIC builds and operates a global network of innovation campuses where startups, scale-ups, corporations and public entities connect, work, and grow. Founded in 1999, CIC manages innovation-focused workspace, laboratories, and event space across North America, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, CIC develops bespoke programming, builds and enables industry clusters, and provides world-class district consulting—all focused on advancing innovation.
Located in the heart of uCity Square, the CIC Labs + Innovation Campus in Philadelphia offers turnkey lab and office space that provides all the resources necessary for companies to work, grow, and innovate. Its close proximity to key academic institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University offer breakthrough research, top-tier talent, and access to extensive clinical and laboratory resources that help drive innovation.
CIC Philadelphia currently hosts over 150 companies across 137,000 square feet of office and lab space. Companies range from one person start ups to 150+ person life science companies. The supportive ecosystem of like-minded innovators make it the ideal location for life science and biotech companies to land, and grow, in Philadelphia.
All lab clients receive access to over $5M worth of state-of-the-art equipment, through partnerships with industry-leading lab equipment manufacturers. This includes the ZEISS Microscopy Solutions Center microscopy lab, Thermo Fisher Scientific Suite, and equipment from Eppendorf, Miltenyi Biotec, and more.
Additionally, the University City Science Center’s First Hand lab is embedded directly within an active lab floor. First Hand offers free, year-round supplemental STEM learning for middle and high school students, serving 12 middle schools and students from 40 high schools throughout Philadelphia.
CIC Philadelphia creates spaces for companies to thrive and grow. From groundbreaking biotech breakthroughs to cutting-edge tech innovation, CIC clients are redefining industries, securing major investments, and driving meaningful change across health, technology, and beyond. The true impact of the environment CIC Philadelphia has built can be seen through the achievements and successes of their member companies:
CIC member and physician-scientist Dr. David Fajgenbaum faced a rare disease with no cure—until he found one himself. His journey inspired the creation of Every Cure, a nonprofit using AI to uncover hidden treatments in existing medicines. In 2025, Dr. Fajgenbaum delivered a TED Talk and was recognized by TIME magazine, on the 2025 TIME100 Health list. EveryCure has offices in both CIC Philadelphia and CIC Cambridge.
Verismo Therapeutics, co-founded by Dr. Michael Milone, is a CAR-T therapy company, focused on treating solid tumors, including mesothelioma and ovarian cancer. Since joining CIC Philadelphia in the fall of 2022, they have expanded their footprint at the campus. In 2025 they announced the dosing of the first patient in its CELESTIAL-301 Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating SynKIR™-310, a next-generation cell therapy platform.
Century Therapeutics is dedicated to advancing allogeneic iPSC-derived NK and T cell therapies for cancer, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. Century joined the CIC Philadelphia community in early 2019, shortly after establishing their team. Initially occupying just three lab benches, Century’s growth while at CIC was remarkable, expanding to encompass over 60 benches and facilitating 126 active full-time roles. The company achieved significant milestones along the way, including the closure of a $160 million Series C financing round in March 2021 and the announcement of a $242.7 million initial public offering in June 2021. In 2023, Century embarked on a new phase of growth, graduating from CIC’s campus to a private 93,000 square foot facility.
Through their partners in uCity Square, CIC Philadelphia has intentionally bridged the gap between high-tech labs and the local community through donated space, workforce development programs, and their social impact program. Since 2018, CIC Philadelphia has donated over $1.1M in office and lab space to more than 85 clients. These spaces go to social impact clients that fall into a broad spectrum of companies with examples ranging from community development organizations focusing on the West Philadelphia neighborhood, to micro-businesses and non-profits working to launch an initiative for underrepresented communities to STEM education for youth. In recent years, CIC has focused on increasing support for workforce development organizations focusing on the life science and medical fields including Coded By: and Propel America.
CIC Philadelphia provides a space for life science innovators to grow, build their businesses, and connect with other community members across the globe. To learn more about CIC’s innovation campuses featuring workspace & labs, programming, and events, visit CIC.com.
