Each year, Technical.ly recognizes ten promising early-stage startups in the Philadelphia region through their annual “RealLIST Startups” list. The RealLIST Startups include companies that have experienced major growth in the past year and appear poised to continue that path or show potential for experiencing growth in the future. The list also names 10 runners-up that are predicted to experience growth in the near future.
This year, Penn spinouts BlueWhale Bio and Baleena, ranked number one and two on the RealLIST respectively. BlueWhale Bio, which was also recognized on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s PHL Inno List of 2024 Startups to Watch, is creating a technology platform designed to make the cell and gene therapy manufacturing process faster and more cost efficient. Baleena aims to reduce microplastic pollution by developing a device that traps microfibers and microplastics shed in laundry machines. Sonura, winner of the 2023 President’s Innovation Prize, received an honorable mention. Sonura is developing a beanie that filters out harmful noises and allows caregivers to send messages to babies in the NICU. Read the full list of recognized startups here.