The BioBuzz Welcome Reception successfully converged global cell and gene therapy leaders in Philadelphia, cementing the region’s status as the epicenter of advanced therapies innovation. The event, hosted at QIAGEN’s QiaHub, set an energetic and collaborative tone for the international congress.
The Catalyst: Reigniting Advanced Therapies Week in Philly
As the world’s most innovative minds in cell and gene therapy (CGT) descended upon Philadelphia—the undisputed “Cellicon Valley”—for the second consecutive year, the week demanded a starting line worthy of the industry’s groundbreaking potential. The Advanced Therapies Philly Welcome Reception, the eighth event in BioBuzz’s BioInnovation Series, served exactly this purpose: a powerful catalyst for connection, collaboration, and critical discussion before the official Advanced Therapies USA Congress began on November 18.
Held at the state-of-the-art QIAGEN QiaHub Showroom at 401 N Broad St, the evening buzzed with a shared energy unique to a community that is simultaneously competitive and deeply collaborative. The atmosphere was a potent mix of local pioneers from institutions like Penn and CHOP, and international visitors from around the globe, along with many from QIAGEN’s team, all eager to strengthen relationships and exchange insights that will drive the next generation of therapeutics.
“We knew we needed to create a space that didn’t just facilitate networking, but truly activated the community,” said Chris Frew, CEO of BioBuzz. “Bringing Advanced Therapies USA to Philly was a game-changer last year, and this reception is about reinforcing that foundation. Hosting the event with QIAGEN gave leaders a high-value forum to reconnect and strategize before the formal congress sessions began. The turnout and the quality of the conversations absolutely validated the need for this kind of focused, industry gathering.”
The decision by the Advanced Therapies Congress organizers to maintain Philadelphia as their host city reflects the region’s dominant role. As the birthplace of the first FDA-approved gene therapy (Luxturna) and CAR-T cell therapy (Kymriah), Greater Philadelphia continues to rank as a global leader in CGT activity, boasting over 60 dedicated companies and a robust talent pipeline. This momentum is further highlighted by the recent announcement that Lilly Gateway Labs will be establishing a presence at 2300 Market Street (see the BioBuzz article: Philadelphia Selected for New Lilly Gateway Labs at Breakthrough Properties), a clear signal that the corporate titans are doubling down on this ecosystem.
Unpacking Innovation: The Critical Role of Technology and Talent
The venue itself was a story of innovation, perfectly reflecting the intersection of advanced science and infrastructure in Philadelphia. The QIAGEN QiaHub is more than a showroom; it’s a living example of the essential technological foundation required to scale advanced therapies. Guests had the opportunity to tour the facilities, getting a first-hand look at automated sample preparation and digital PCR solutions—the workhorse technologies critical for efficient and reliable CGT manufacturing. The very building hosting the QiaHub, a major data center run by Netrality, subtly underscored the necessary fusion of molecular science and underlying digital technology that powers modern biotech breakthroughs.
The importance of this technological foundation was a common thread throughout the networking and the targeted roundtable discussions, which included topics focused on Advancements in Manufacturing and the future of the CGT Workforce. These discussions ensured that attendees left not just with new business cards, but with insights into the industry’s most pressing challenges.
For Biotech companies looking for expansion space, the building has several available suites for lease by CBRE.
The Power of Partnership: Strengthening the Ecosystem
The evening’s success was a testament to strong industry partnership, aligning technology providers, research expertise, and community builders. QIAGEN’s commitment to the region was highlighted by hosting the event, an investment that brings their cutting-edge equipment directly into the heart of Cellicon Valley to support the local ecosystem’s growth.
Supporting the reception were sponsors that exemplify the diverse strength of the local ecosystem. Integral Molecular, a research-driven biotechnology company specializing in antibodies and membrane proteins, provided the deep scientific expertise that underpins therapeutic breakthroughs. Their involvement showcased the necessary bridge between fundamental research and clinical translation.
Equally vital was the presence of community partner, The CGT Circle. This dynamic network focuses on empowering women in cell and gene therapy globally. By creating welcoming spaces for women across the entire CGT ecosystem to forge lasting friendships and support each other’s professional growth, their presence underscored the shared mission to not just advance science, but to build a robust, diverse, and interconnected workforce capable of sustaining that advancement.
As the attendees departed, energized and equipped with new contacts and perspectives, the goal of the welcome reception was clearly achieved. It provided the community with the essential space to connect, share knowledge, and collectively solidify Philadelphia’s position as the hub where the future of advanced therapies is being defined.
To continue the momentum from the Advanced Therapies USA Congress and the BioInnovation Series, we invite you to engage with the BioBuzz community.
Learn More: Explore our upcoming events to stay connected to the Greater Philadelphia ecosystem and find the next opportunity to network with industry leaders by creating a profile at app.biobuzz.io.
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