When startups succeed in Philadelphia, they create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the region’s economic future. The Pennovation Accelerator helps make that possible, supporting young companies as they hone their vision and plant roots in Philly’s innovation ecosystem.
This six-week program helps founders refine their company’s pitch and strengthen their strategy. Through targeted programming, participating companies gain guidance on building and sustaining their ventures in Philadelphia, along with valuable visibility among press and investors.
It also connects fellow entrepreneurs navigating similar challenges, like Vera Hempel and Benjamin Ferleger, who recently sat down with Pennovation Works Associate Director of Education and Entrepreneurship Jaime Sweet.
“The most important aspect of the Pennovation Accelerator for us was the community and the support we’ve received […] from the other founders,” said Hempel, part of the 2024 Pennovation Accelerator cohort and co-founder of KissUX. “To see that everyone is going through the same things and is sharing similar experiences.”
The program culminates in the Pennovation Accelerator Pitch Day, where each startup presents to a community of investors, founders, and innovators—opening doors to new partnerships and long-term momentum.
“You don’t actually get a lot of opportunities to practice your pitch outside of your own team,” said Ferleger, of the 2025 cohort and co-founder of Earable Intelligence (EI). “So being able to practice with a friendly but critical group […] was such a wonderful opportunity.”
“One of our core goals is to integrate our founders into the ecosystem so that they stay and that then has a ripple effect of economic development,” added Sweet.
By helping startups take root and thrive locally, Pennovation Works is fueling innovation that supports Philadelphia’s economy and future industries.