Change Philadelphia from within.

At Venture Café Philadelphia, we tap into the expertise and network of the University City Science Center to partner with companies and organizations that are evolving business, education, technology, social justice, science and the arts within Philadelphia and beyond. Along with pitch nights, thought provoking content and one-on-one sessions, our flagship program – Thursday Gathering – provides you with hundreds of connection and action opportunities each week, both online and at our inspiring venues. When you take part in a Venture Café event, you can meet hundreds of creative, resourceful people who are just as invested in improving life in Philadelphia as you are.

OUR MISSION
Venture Café Philadelphia, a program of the University City Science Center, is a non-profit organization and global network that seeks to further the local innovation ecosystem. Our mission is to “connect innovators to make things happen” through high-impact programming, spaces, storytelling, and broad innovation engagement.
Connect
Connect with other innovators from the Science Center ecosystem and beyond at our virtual and in-person events.
Learn
Learn from like minded, inspiring people as well as industry experts in their fields.
Share
Help strengthen Philadelphia’s innovation community by sharing your knowledge and story.
Global network
Venture Café Philadelphia is part of the growing Venture Café global network – and that means you are, too!
Industry Agnostic
Innovation happens at the intersections of industries and disciplines, that’s why every week we convene the entire ecosystem.
Innovation is for Everyone
Venture Café Philadelphia is dedicated to making innovation ecosystems more equitable and creating pathways for everyone to take part in innovation.

Venture Café Philadelphia is powered by the University City Science Center

For over 60 years, the University City Science Center has powered progress that changes lives, grows companies, uplifts our region, and improves our world. The Science Center is a mission-driven nonprofit that commercializes technology, cultivates talent to support a 21st century economy, and convenes people to inspire action. Paramount to the Science Center’s convening activity is its Venture Café Philadelphia programming. This programming, along with a variety of other touchpoints offered by the Science Center, serves as the connective tissue that binds together the region’s innovation ecosystem.

Venture Café CIC

Venture Café began as a simple idea within the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) in Massachusetts. A longtime global leader in building innovation campuses and shared workspaces, CIC began evolving from its concept of physical spaces to one of greater meaningful community in 2009. This new iteration grew into a global movement known for its entrepreneurial resources and inclusivity. Today, Venture Café Global Institute – now its own enterprise – expands to new cities on its own as well as alongside other CIC ventures.

Venture Café is part of a global network – and that means you are, too!

Venture Café Philadelphia is part of the growing Venture Café global network – and that means you are, too! Through our collaborations in cities from Tokyo to Warsaw to Rotterdam, we’ll connect you with change-makers and resources to help you expand innovation both locally and globally. Together, let’s ignite creativity and catalyze action to solve humankind’s challenges while meaningfully supporting entrepreneurs and innovators, many of whom have traditionally been underserved. Check out the benefits of worldwide collaboration!

TESTIMONIALS
“I love my Office Hours which provide me with a weekly opportunity to engage in a give and take with entrepreneurs, as we learn from each other. I highly recommend this forum for your startup journey!”
Carolyn Hochstadter
Managing Attorney, E. Carolyn Hochstadter Dicker LLC, Office Hour Mentor
“Venture Café’s Office Hours program has enabled me to connect with inventors and entrepreneurs conveniently from my office. Although I look forward to enjoying Venture Café in person again, the team has done a great job organizing virtual office hours. We are happy to be associated with them."
Scott Keeley and Regina DeAngelo
Keeley DeAngelo Intellectual Property, Office Hour Mentors
“Venture Café provides a tremendous experience for presenters and attendees alike. The vibe is creative, energetic, and authentic, and makes learning and networking fun. The mix of entrepreneurs, students, and professionals makes for rich interactions and thought-provoking conversations. I love Venture Café!”
Brandyn Campbell
Brandyn Campbell Communications, Office Hour Mentor
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