The University City Keystone Innovation Zone is a partnership to support the formation and growth of start-up life sciences companies and the commercialization of these companies’ technologies. The partners -- BioAdvance, Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University, University City Science Center, University of Pennsylvania, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and Wistar Institute – work together to create a ‘knowledge neighborhood’ of universities, technology incubators, venture funders, economic development organizations, and businesses that supports the work of life sciences entrepreneurs. Business partner sponsors of the UC KIZ have included Cephalon, Commerce Bank, and GlaxoSmithKline.

Founded in 2005, the UC KIZ provides a platform for collaborating and cooperating, enabling the partners to take on initiatives that would not be pursued individually. Building networks of support for entrepreneurs and fostering a connected community of life sciences innovation will help ensure the region a premier position in the burgeoning life sciences marketplace. Currently, companies within the UC KIZ are working on breakthrough technologies that will advance medicine and healthcare ranging from medical devices to detect traumatic brain injury to new diagnostics for earlier, non-invasive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and new medicines to treat and prevent obesity.

What are Keystone Innovation Zones? KIZs are a major initiative of Governor Edward G. Rendell to build knowledge-based economies and cultivate entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania. The goal of the KIZ program is to create the necessary support networks within existing communities to maintain and grow the pipeline of budding innovators and dynamic new companies that will help shape the future of Pennsylvania’s economy.

How do KIZs benefit companies? KIZs offer companies the opportunity to become an integral part of the knowledge community – a community that is dedicated to commercializing new technology. There are substantial economic incentives for start-ups located in a KIZ, including tax credits that will make $25 million per year -- up to $100,000 per company -- available for KIZ companies less than eight years old. In addition, companies within a KIZ are offered technical assistance and capacity building, and receive “priority reviews” for a variety of state financing, job training, and investment programs.

Geographical boundaries of the University City Keystone Innovation Zone

Pennsylvania's Keystone Innovation Zones
[Current as of 6/15/2006]

indicates location of University City KIZ
For more information on the Keystone Innovation Program or to obtain information on a specific Zone,
please visit www.newPA.com