PCI Ventures (PCIV) is a division of PCI specifically focused on creating early-stage businesses founded on Penn technology.
PCIV prides itself on promoting entrepreneurial activities and new company formation around Penn’s leading research and innovations. PCIV actively seeks entrepreneurs to lead its companies and investors to provide funding for a portfolio of new ventures in development. PCIV also provides a suite of products and services to support its portfolio as spinouts make their way towards commercial success.
How PCIV Helps Penn Spinouts
Since 2010, PCIV has worked with over 200 faculty and staff members to form and launch new companies based on selected inventions and innovative technologies.
While there are many paths to commercialization of a new technology, the PCIV team works with Penn inventors to develop a commercial strategy that utilizes company creation as a means to increase the value of the technology while giving it exposure in the marketplace. PCIV will assist the business team through the entire commercialization process with an array of services that includes matching a strong entrepreneur to each company, providing a network of partners to help with any number of startup needs, and assisting with fundraising.
By connecting local entrepreneurs, investors and partners with Penn inventors, PCIV adds a powerful platform for a larger entrepreneurial ecosystem in greater Philadelphia and beyond.
PCI Ventures Services
UPstart
The UPstart program offers a wide array of services to assist entrepreneurial faculty members with the company formation and development process. UPstart smooths the path to future success by working closely with faculty members as they build value into their technology through a new venture.
UPstartUPadvisors
The UPadvisors program provides support to companies that operate independently, and want to leverage the resources of the PCI Ventures team, services, programs, and network to help navigate the challenges of an early-stage startup.
UPadvisorsOther Programs
PCI Ventures produces programs, trainings, and events to support the development of their portfolio companies and Pennovation Works companies.
Learn morePCI Ventures Weekly Office Hours
PCI Ventures hosts virtual office hours every Wednesday from 9:00 to 12:00. Each week, a member of the PCI Ventures team will be available to answer business questions on topics ranging from company formation and legal agreements to benefits and insurance.
Anyone is welcome to take advantage of the office hours, click here to sign up for a session today!
Our Portfolio
PCI Ventures supports a wide-ranging portfolio of early-stage companies through their UPstart and UPadvisors programs.
View Our Full PortfolioForsagen
Ghost Robotics
Building customizable robotic machines highly adept at perceiving tactile sensations
Liquid Biotech
Diagnostic blood test for sensitive detection of circulating tumor cells.
Cerespectus
Catheters using real time anatomic video feedback and fluoroscopic assistance for precise gene therapy delivery and treatment of other disorders of the central nervous system
Axonova Medical
Proprietary technology platform allowing stretch growth of axon bundles for use as fully functional grafts to address peripheral and CNS neuropathies.
FluidiSpec
Recent News
All PCI Ventures PostsUpcoming Events
All EventsThe Team

Michael D. Poisel, MS, MBA
Executive Director, PCI Ventures

Bhavana Mohanraj, PhD
Associate Director, PCI Ventures

Yi-Yen Chen, PhD
Associate Director, PCI Ventures

Melisa Lopez-Anton, PhD
Assistant Director, PCI Ventures

Jaime Sweet
Associate Director of Programming at Pennovation Works

Raquel Giron
Administrative Coordinator
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