Philadelphia Launches Matching Grant Program to Accelerate Life Sciences Commercialization

Philadelphia-based life science startups can now access up to $50,000 in critical support services through the new SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program.

TL;DR:

Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce has launched a Matching Grant Program for life sciences companies with recent SBIR/STTR awards. Phase I awardees may receive up to $20,000, and Phase II awardees may receive up to $50,000 in commercialization support. Services include customer discovery, IP strategy, regulatory guidance, and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The application deadline is June 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. 

Bridging Science and Market in Philadelphia

The life sciences ecosystem in Philadelphia is thriving, yet startups often struggle with the leap from research to commercialization. Recognizing this gap, the City of Philadelphia, through the Department of Commerce, has launched a new SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program aimed at strengthening local firms’ ability to scale innovative products and attract follow-on capital.

Are You Leaving Support on the Table?

If your company received a Phase I or II SBIR/STTR award in 2022 or later, you may be eligible for non-dilutive funding up to $50,000 to help get your product to market faster. This is not just cash—it’s strategic services tailored to your commercialization stage.

What This Grant Can Do for You

Awardees can access services that include:

  • Customer discovery and product-market fit
  • Regulatory planning and pathway support
  • Intellectual property (IP) strategy
  • Financial planning and operations support
  • Manufacturing and supply chain guidance

Funds are administered in partnership with Life Sciences PA and Ben Franklin Technology Partners, two well-respected leaders in biotech commercialization.

Why This Support Matters Now

SBIR/STTR awards provide essential early-stage funding. But many companies fail to commercialize because they lack post-award support. Without help navigating regulatory, customer, and manufacturing hurdles, promising technologies stall. This program bridges that gap, helping startups reduce risk and move faster toward growth.

Apply and Scale Smarter

The grant program is:

  • Open now
  • Reviewed on a rolling basis
  • Simple, single-stage application
  • Customized to your needs

You can learn more and apply via the City’s official page HERE.

Let Us Help You Maximize Your Match

We specialize in helping SBIR/STTR awardees access additional funding and align their commercialization strategy. If you’re eligible for the Philadelphia Matching Grant Program, we’ll help you:

  • Craft a compelling application narrative
  • Define your service needs
  • Build a roadmap for high-impact outcomes

📅 Schedule a consult call using the link in the footer below.

Why Work with Us

We’ve supported clients across the country in:

  • Securing over $150M in non-dilutive funding
  • Developing 18–24-month commercialization roadmaps
  • Building long-term success beyond the award

Whether you’re post-Phase I or scaling through Phase II, we’re ready to help you turn public dollars into market-ready impact.


Ready To Take the Next Step?

We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.