Future Forward: Startups
Future Forward: Startups is a dynamic half-day event dedicated to celebrating innovation and empowering startups in Philadelphia’s thriving tech ecosystem. This summit brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends, share insights, and foster collaboration. Attendees will enjoy engaging panel discussions, inspiring talks, and ample networking opportunities designed to connect innovators and catalyze new ventures. Future Forward: Startups is a featured event during Philly Tech Week 2025.
This event is presented by 1Philadelphia and made possible by our generous supporters. Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Comcast NBCUniversal, as well as our participating sponsors:
EVENT SCHEDULE
1:30 PM l Doors Open
1:30 - 2:00 PM | Registration & Networking
2:00 - 2:20 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
2:30 - 3:20 PM l BREAKOUT SESSION #1
Panel #1: From Pilot to Partnership: Scaling Innovation Together (1st Floor) - In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, corporations are looking beyond internal innovation and seeking external partnerships to stay ahead of the curve. This panel will explore how corporations and startups are forming strategic collaborations to drive innovation, transform industries, and create lasting value. By leveraging the agility of startups and the resources of large enterprises, these partnerships are paving the way for breakthroughs in technology, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
Attendees will gain insights into how startups can best position themselves to attract corporate partnerships and how corporations can integrate startup-driven innovation into their existing structures. This panel will also discuss the challenges of aligning corporate culture with startup agility and the best practices for fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.
Panel #2: Growth Strategy and Successful Exits for Tech Founders (3rd Floor) - Whether you're raising your first round or thinking long-term about acquisition or IPO, building a strong strategic foundation is key. This session will explore how founders can approach growth with intention, understand how valuation is shaped over time, and plan for successful exits. Hear from investors and seasoned founders on how to make smart, forward-looking decisions that set your company up for long-term success.
3:20 - 4:10 PM l BREAKOUT SESSION #2
Panel #1: Smart Moves: Leveraging AI for Strategic Growth (1st Floor) - How are today’s industry leaders using AI not just for efficiency, but for long-term growth? This panel dives into the strategic frameworks large companies use to evaluate and deploy AI—insights startups can adapt early in their journey. We’ll also dive into differentiating the signal from the noise and provide some guidance on which AI trends might be worth following.
Panel #2: Innovation for a Safer World (3rd Floor) - Innovation for a Safer World brings together leaders from ZeroEyes, Asylon Robotics, and JP Morgan to explore how technology is redefining safety in public spaces. Panelists will share their visions for what a safer future could look like and how their companies are deploying novel solutions to protect people in public environments. The conversation will also dive into the realities of building in this space—what it takes to secure capital, grow responsibly, and navigate turbulent economic conditions while staying mission-focused.
4:10 - 5:00 PM l BREAKOUT SESSION #3
Panel #1: Pulse Check: Health Tech Trends Shaping the Next Decade (1st Floor) - This session brings together founders, funders, and practitioners to explore the most significant trends driving innovation in health tech. From AI and personalized care to equitable access and new funding models, we'll examine what's emerging, what's sticking, and what it means for the future of healthcare. Get insights from every corner of the ecosystem as we chart the course for the next decade of impact.
Panel #2: Raising Right: The Art of Building Lasting Investor Relationships (3rd Floor) - In today’s evolving investment landscape, securing funding is about more than just a great pitch—it’s about building meaningful, long-term relationships with the right investors. This session brings together leading investors to share what they’re looking for in founders, how the capital climate is shifting in 2025, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves for success.
5:00 - 5:15 PM l Networking Break
5:15 - 5:30 PM l Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up
5:30 - 7:30 PM l Happy Hour presented by the Philadelphia City Council Tech Committee
Media and Photography Disclosure:
By registering for this event, attendees agree to granting permission for their image, likeness, and voice to be recorded on audio or video without payment or other consideration. These recordings may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, or distributed, and waive the right to inspect or approve any finished product in which their likeness appears. Attendees also waive any right to royalties or other compensation related to the use of their image or recordings. This material may be used in various educational and promotional settings across an unrestricted geographic area.