Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Public Charity Status and Public Support
Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section
4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ. See separate instructions.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
UNIVERSITY CITY SCIENCE CENTER
Employer identification number
23-1645908
Part I
Reason for Public Charity Status
(All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions
The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)
1
2
3
4
5
section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)
6
7
8
9
receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of
its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses
acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)
10
11
e
By checking this box, I certify that the organization is not controlled directly or indirectly by one or more disqualified persons other than foundation managers and other than one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2).
f
If the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II or Type III supporting organization, check this box
..................................................
g
Since August 17, 2006, has the organization accepted any gift or contribution from any of the following persons?
(i) a person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (ii)
Yes
No
and (iii) below, the governing body of the the supported organization?
................
11g(i)
(ii)
a family member of a person described in (i) above?
......................
11g(ii)
(iii)
a 35% controlled entity of a person described in (i) or (ii) above?
................
11g(iii)
h
Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).
(i) Name of supported organization
(ii) EIN
(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions))
(iv) Is the organization in col. (i) listed in your governing document?
(v) Did you notify the organization in col. (i) of your support?
(vi) Is the organization in col. (i) organized in the U.S.?
(vii) Amount of support?
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Total
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.
Cat. No. 11285F
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 2
Part II
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the
organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to
qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") ....
2
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4
Total. Add lines 1 through 3..
5
The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included
on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
6
Public Support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
7
Amounts from line 4..
8
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
9
Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10
Other income. (Explain in Part IV.) Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets..
11
Total support (Add lines 7 through 10).
12
Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (See instructions.)
..................
12
13
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here..........................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
14
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 6 column (f) divided by line 11 column (f))
.........
14
15
Public Support Percentage for 2009 Schedule A, Part II, line 14
...............
15
16a
33 1/3% support test—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
......................
b
33 1/3% support test—2009.
If the organization did not check the box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
.....................
17a
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2010.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization
..................................................
b
10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part IV how the organization meets the "facts and circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..............................................
18
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a or 17b, check this box and see
instructions
...................................................
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 3
Part III
Support Schedule for Organizations Described in IRC 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization
failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under
the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)
Section A. Public Support
Calendar year(or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
1
Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
1,829,735
3,975,946
3,844,260
2,775,045
3,031,069
15,456,055
2
Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
11,814,895
12,301,537
19,095,929
17,905,277
16,255,911
77,373,549
3
Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513..
4
Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5
The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6
Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
13,644,630
16,277,483
22,940,189
20,680,322
19,286,980
92,829,604
7a
Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
0
b
Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
5,412,840
4,705,256
3,406,049
6,812,039
8,338,583
28,674,767
c
Add lines 7a and 7b..
5,412,840
4,705,256
3,406,049
6,812,039
8,338,583
28,674,767
8
Public Support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)
64,154,837
Section B. Total Support
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)
(a) 2006
(b) 2007
(c) 2008
(d) 2009
(e) 2010
(f) Total
9
Amounts from line 6...
13,644,630
16,277,483
22,940,189
20,680,322
19,286,980
92,829,604
10a
Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
251,546
509,658
500,697
228,171
140,554
1,630,626
b
Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c
Add lines 10a and 10b.
251,546
509,658
500,697
228,171
140,554
1,630,626
11
Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12
Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part IV.)
13
Total support (Add lines 9, 10c, 11 and 12.).
13,896,176
16,787,141
23,440,886
20,908,493
19,427,534
94,460,230
14
First Five Years
If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here.............................................
Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage
15
Public Support Percentage for 2010 (line 8 column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
.........
15
67.920 %
16
Public support percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 15
...............
16
69.160 %
Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage
17
Investment income percentage for 2010 (line 10c column (f) divided by line 13 column (f))
......
17
1.730 %
18
Investment income percentage from 2009 Schedule A, Part III, line 17
.............
18
2.300 %
19a
33 1/3% support tests—2010.
If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3% and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
..........
b
33 1/3% support tests—2009.
If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization
....
20
Private Foundation
If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a or 19b, check this box and see instructions
.....
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Page 4
Part IV
Supplemental Information.
Supplemental Information. Complete this part to provide the explanation required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; or Part III, line 12. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).
Facts And Circumstances Test
Explanation
Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2010
Additional Data
Software ID:
Software Version:
-
TIN:
SCHEDULE O (Form 990 or 990-EZ)
Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service
Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ
Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or to provide any additional information.
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
OMB No. 1545-0047
2010
Open to Public Inspection
Name of the organization
UNIVERSITY CITY SCIENCE CENTER
Employer identification number
23-1645908
Identifier
Return Reference
Explanation
NEW PROGRAM SERVICES
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 2
BUILDING UPON THE 30-YEAR HISTORY OF THE ESTHER KLEIN GALLERY, THE SCIENCE CENTER LAUNCHED BREADBOARD IN 2010 TO EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF ART, DESIGN, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPORT THE SCIENCE CENTER'S STEM EDUCATION ACTIVITIES. BREADBOARD IS A HYBRID PROGRAM THAT FACILITATES CROSS-DISCIPLINARY ART EXHIBITS, COMMUNITY OUTREACH INITIATIVES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS OFFERING PUBLIC ACCESS TO A NEW GENERATION OF FABRICATION TECHNOLOGY AND WORKSPACE IN AN EFFORT TO CONVENE COMMUNITIES AROUND CREATIVE APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY. THROUGH A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP WITH NEXTFAB STUDIO, AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED 3-D PRINTING AND PROTOTYPING FACILITY LOCATED ON THE SCIENCE CENTER CAMPUS, BREADBOARD ENGAGES GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES AT ALL LEVELS OF INTEREST AND EXPERIENCE. BREADBOARD PROGRAMMING COMBINES 3-D TECHNOLOGY, AND CAD- OPERATED EQUIPMENT SUCH AS LASER CUTTERS AND MILLING MACHINES, WITH A COLLABORATIVE WORKSHOP ENVIRONMENT WHERE ARTISTS, DIY ENTHUSIASTS, FABBERS, HACKERS, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND STUDENTS CAN SHARE A COMPUTER STATION OR A CIRCUIT BOARD WITH BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS, ENGINEERS AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS.
CHANGES IN PROGRAM SERVICES
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 3
THE SCIENCE CENTER COMPLETED THE MARKET STREET REVITALIZATION PROJECT IN SEPTEMBER 2010, TRANSFORMING BOTH SIDES OF MARKET STREET BETWEEN 34TH AND 41ST STREETS INTO A GREENER AND MORE PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY THOROUGHFARE.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 6
THE OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF THE CORPORATION IS RESTRICTED TO CORPORATIONS QUALIFIED FOR EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL INCOME TAXES UNDER SECTION 501(C) (3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7A
ANNUAL STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS: AFTER EACH ANNUAL ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION, ELECTION OF A CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND OTHER OFFICERS, AND THE TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS AT THE OFFICE OF THE CORPORATION.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION A, LINE 7B
REGULAR AND ANNUAL MEETINGS ARE HELD IN WHICH TRANSACTIONS ARE BROUGHT BEFORE THE BOARD. SPECIAL MEETINGS MAY ALSO BE HELD AT THE DIRECTION OF THREE OR MORE SHAREHOLDERS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11
THE COMPLETED 990 IS PRESENTED FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, AT WHICH TIME IT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C
EACH BOARD MEMBER AND EXEMPT EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO ANNUALLY SIGN A CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE FORM, INDICATING THAT HE/SHE UNDERSTANDS THE POLICY AND WILL ALERT THE ORGANIZATION SHOULD A CONFLICT OCCUR. THIS PROCESS IS OVERSEEN BY THE SCIENCE CENTER'S GENERAL COUNSEL.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15
THE BOARD HIRED MERCER HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING IN 2010 TO REVIEW CEO AND EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND PROVIDE BENCHMARK INFORMATION ON SALARY AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION. AN ARRAY OF 501 C3 AND FOR-PROFIT BENCHMARKS WERE INCLUDED IN THE STUDY IN ORDER TO COMPARE ENTITIES AND THEIR COMPENSATION STRUCTURES THAT REPRESENTED BUSINESS AND SERVICE OPERATIONS OF A COMPARABLE NATURE. THE FINDINGS FROM MERCER'S STUDY WERE AND HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED INTO ANNUAL REVIEW AND COMPENSATION PLANNING FOR THE CEO AND HIS TEAM. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUALLY REVIEWS MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AND APPROVES ALL CHANGES.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19
A PERSON REQUESTING A COPY OF THE GOVERNING DOCUMENTS ETC. PLACES HIS / HER REQUEST WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY CITY SCIENCE CENTER. UPON RECEIPT OF THE REQUEST, THE REQUESTED INFORMATION IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE INTERESTED PARTY.
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS OR FUND BALANCES:
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 5:
NET UNREALIZED GAINS ON INVESTMENTS: 314,142. PRIOR PERIOD ADJUSTMENTS: 64,241. (A) GAIN FROM TAXABLE CORPORATE SUBSIDIARIES AND DISREGARDED ENTITIES 712,844. (C) EQUITY EARNINGS FROM PASS THROUGH ENTITIES 526,914. (D) LOSS ON INTEREST RATE SWAP -357,317. TOTAL TO FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 5: 1,260,824.
THE SCIENCE CENTER BOARD HAS DESIGNATED AN AUDIT COMMITTEE WITH GENERAL OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF THE ORGANIZATION. THERE HAS BEEN NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE PROCESS DURING THE 2010 YEAR.
PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION: INCUBATOR
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A
AT THE HEART OF THE SCIENCE CENTER LIE THE PORT BUSINESS INCUBATORS. SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1963, GRADUATE ORGANIZATIONS AND CURRENT RESIDENTS OF THE INCUBATORS HAVE CREATED MORE THAN 15,000 JOBS THAT REMAIN IN THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA REGION TODAY AND CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN $9 BILLION TO THE REGIONAL ECONOMY ANNUALLY. IN FURTHERING THEIR ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, THE INCUBATOR COMPANIES' WORK ENCOMPASSES INNOVATIONS IN THERAPEUTICS, MEDICAL DEVICES, DIAGNOSTICS, RESEARCH TOOLS, BIOINFORMATICS, NANOTECHNOLOGY, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY. THE INCUBATORS OFFER OVER 50,000 SQUARE FEET OF WET AND DRY LABORATORY AND OFFICE SPACE WITH A PLUG 'N PLAY, STATE-OF-THE-ART INFRASTRUCTURE, BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY AND SIGNIFICANT TAX ADVANTAGES. THE INCUBATORS FLEXIBLY ACCOMMODATE THE CHANGING NEEDS OF EMERGING, FAST-GROWTH COMPANIES. MANAGED SPACE AND AMENITIES, TOGETHER WITH ACCESS TO AN INFLUENTIAL NETWORK OF ACADEMICS, ENTREPRENEURS AND INVESTORS, OFFER A "BIG COMPANY" LIFESTYLE TO SMALL COMPANIES, MANY OF WHICH WOULD BE UNABLE TO ACCESS THE OFFICE SPACE AND AMENITIES WITHOUT SCIENCE CENTER SUPPORT.
BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY NETWORKS
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4B
THE SCIENCE CENTER SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITY THROUGH A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS, INCLUDING BREADBOARD/ESTHER KLEIN ART GALLERY, QUORUM, THE REGIONAL AFFINITY INCUBATION NETWORK (RAIN), STEM EDUCATION INITIATIVES, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS, THE UNIVERSITY CITY KEYSTONE INNOVATION ZONE (UCKIZ) AND THE MARKET STREET REVITALIZATION PROJECT. THE ESTHER KLEIN ART GALLERY (EKG) FALLS UNDER THE EXPANDED BREADBOARD RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING OBJECTIVES. EKG CONTINUES TO EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, UTILIZING EXHIBITIONS AS A VEHICLE TO PROMOTE INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH PEER ORGANIZATIONS IN THE ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITIES. QUORUM, AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT LONG-TERM COLLABORATIVE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, IS A PROGRAM THAT STRENGTHENS GREATER PHILADELPHIA'S CULTURE OF TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION BY CREATING A FORUM FOR ENTREPRENEURS, SCIENTISTS, RESEARCHERS AND INVESTORS TO INTERACT AND EXCHANGE IDEAS AT A PHYSICAL SPACE LOCATED AT THE SCIENCE CENTER, ONLINE, OR VIA OFFSITE PROGRAMMING OFFERED THROUGHOUT THE REGION. RAIN: THE SCIENCE CENTER LAUNCHED A NETWORK OF BUSINESS PARKS IN THE REGION IN 2009. RAIN BRINGS TOGETHER RESEARCH PARKS, TECHNOLOGY-BASED INCUBATORS AND OTHER SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN TECHNOLOGY-LED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES. STEM EDUCATION: IN ADDITION TO ITS BREADBOARD PROGRAM, THE SCIENCE CENTER WORKS CLOSELY WITH LOCAL NONPROFITS TO IMPROVE SCIENCE EDUCATION IN CITY SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS. PARTNERS INCLUDE IPRAXIS, WHICH FOCUSES ON ATTRACTING AND INVOLVING PEOPLE OF COLOR IN SCIENCE, AND PHILADELPHIA ACADEMIES, INC. IN THE SUMMER OF 2010, THE SCIENCE CENTER AND ITS RESIDENT COMPANIES HOSTED SIX SUMMER INTERNS FROM PHILADELPHIA ACADEMIES BIOTECHNOLOGY ACADEMY. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: IN RESPONSE TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, THE SCIENCE CENTER HAS PARTNERED WITH BIOADVANCE AND WHARTON SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO HELP DISPLACED LIFE SCIENCES PROFESSIONALS EXPLORE CAREER OPTIONS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH PROGRAMS LIKE ENTREPRENEUR ONRAMP, WHICH WAS HELD IN MAY 2010. A $4.0 MILLION MARKET STREET REVITALIZATION PROJECT, COMPLETED IN 2010, PROMOTES SOCIAL WELFARE AND LESSENS THE BURDEN OF GOVERNMENT BY TRANSFORMING THE CAMPUS AND SURROUNDING UNIVERSITY CITY COMMUNITY INTO A GREENER AND MORE VIBRANT PLACE THROUGH FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENTS, SUCH AS NEW PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING, NEW SIDEWALKS, WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE RAMPS AT EVERY INTERSECTION, PLANTINGS ALONG "AMENITY STRIPS," AND "BUMP OUTS" AT KEY INTERSECTIONS LEADING TO SAFER PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS. RUNNING FROM 34TH STREET TO 41ST STREET ON BOTH SIDES OF MARKET STREET, THE PROJECT EXTENDS THREE BLOCKS BEYOND THE CURRENT SCIENCE CENTER CAMPUS. THE SCIENCE CENTER IS ONE OF THE FOUNDING PARTNERS AND THE FISCAL AGENT OF THE UNIVERSITY CITY KEYSTONE INNOVATION ZONE (UC KIZ), A PARTNERSHIP DESIGNED TO BUILD KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMIES AND CULTIVATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE UC KIZ HAS A CONCENTRATION OF RESOURCES FOR SUPPORTING AND GROWING LIFE SCIENCES COMPANIES. HOME TO NUMEROUS LIFE SCIENCES STARTUPS, SEVERAL MAJOR UNIVERSITIES, NON-PROFIT RESEARCH INSTITUTES, AND RESEARCH AND TEACHING HOSPITALS, THE UC KIZ COMMUNITY HAS THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND RESOURCES THAT GROWING LIFE SCIENCES COMPANIES NEED.
PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION: OWNED REAL ESTATE
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4C
THE SCIENCE CENTER ENCOMPASSES 17 ACRES, 15 BUILDINGS, AND 2 MILLION SQUARE FEET WITHIN A FOUR-BLOCK AREA THAT IS HOME TO 100 COMPANIES EMPLOYING 8,000 PEOPLE. CURRENTLY, THE SCIENCE CENTER OWNS AND MANAGES APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET OF SPACE IN NINE BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THREE INCUBATORS FOR FLEDGLING BUSINESSES. IN KEEPING WITH THE AGILITY OF ENTREPRENEURS, SHORT-TERM LEASES ARE AVAILABLE, WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH.
PROGRAM SERVICE DESCRIPTION: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4D
QED PROOF OF CONCEPT PROGRAM IN EARLY 2009 THE SCIENCE CENTER LAUNCHED THE NATION'S FIRST MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL PROOF-OF-CONCEPT PROGRAM TO FUND EARLY-STAGE ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECTS IN THE LIFE SCIENCES AND TO PROMOTE THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF THE EARLY-STAGE TECHNOLOGIES RESULTING FROM THOSE PROJECTS. OUR PROGRAM - NAMED "QED", AFTER THE LATIN PHRASE FOR "PROVEN AS DEMONSTRATED" - PROVIDES FUNDING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS THROUGHOUT THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA REGION BY SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF EARLY-STAGE LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES WITH HIGH COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL. AS ANGEL INVESTORS, VENTURE CAPITALISTS, AND ESTABLISHED COMPANIES INCREASINGLY INVEST IN LATER-STAGE ENTERPRISES, FINDING EARLY-STAGE FUNDING TO ACCELERATE INNOVATION HAS BECOME MORE DIFFICULT. QED ASSISTS PROMISING RESEARCHERS TO BRIDGE THE GAP - OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE "VALLEY OF DEATH" - BETWEEN PUBLICLY-FUNDED LABORATORY RESEARCH AND PRIVATELY-FUNDED TECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. IN ADDITION TO FUNDING, QED PROVIDES BUSINESS ADVICE BY PAIRING THE RESEARCHERS WITH DESIGNATED BUSINESS ADVISORS. QED LEVERAGES THE SCIENCE CENTER'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNIVERSITIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COMPANIES, DRIVING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND NEW BUSINESS FORMATION, ADVANCING ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND ENCOURAGING INNOVATION, COMPETITIVENESS, AND KNOWLEDGE-BASE RETENTION AND EXPANSION. THE PROGRAM'S KEY GOAL IS TO FOCUS EXISTING REGIONAL RESOURCES ON SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCING THE BUSINESS RISK IN EARLY-STAGE LIFE SCIENCE R&D PROJECTS, IN ORDER TO POSITION THESE PROJECTS FOR FOLLOW-ON INVESTMENT BY ESTABLISHED LIFE SCIENCE COMPANIES AND PRIVATE INVESTORS, WITHOUT ADDING TO THE PROLIFERATION OF SUB-SCALE, UNDERCAPITALIZED VENTURES ALREADY IN THE MARKET. ULTIMATELY, THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM WILL BE JUDGED BY LONGER-TERM OUTCOMES INCLUDING NEW VENTURE FORMATION, LICENSE EXECUTION, AND OUTSIDE INVESTMENT.
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.