The 15th annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast was nothing short of extraordinary - a vibrant celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the thriving tech community in Philadelphia. This year’s events brought together entrepreneurs, developers, students, and thought leaders from across the region, all united by a shared passion for technological advancement and meaningful connections. From insightful panels to hands-on workshops and networking events, Philly Tech Week highlighted the city’s unique position as a hub for creativity and progress in the tech world. Here's a look back at the highlights and key moments that made this week unforgettable.
15 Years of Coming Together
Philly Tech Week's 15th anniversary marks a significant milestone for Philadelphia's tech community. Over the past decade and a half, this annual event has grown into a city-wide celebration of innovation, collaboration, and progress. It has served as a focal point for highlighting the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Philadelphia a unique hub for technology and innovation.
The past 15 years have seen countless startups launched, ideas shared, and partnerships formed - many of which can trace their roots back to Philly Tech Week. This milestone represents not just the passage of time, but the dedication and resilience of a community committed to fostering growth and breaking barriers. It is a reflection of how far the tech ecosystem has come, while also serving as inspiration for how much more can be achieved together in the future.
"One theme that echoed throughout the week was that this feels like our time - a time for Philly to thrive and create its own vision for how we lead in tech. I couldn’t agree more. Thanks to every person contributing their passion and talent to this work." - Danae Mobley [1Philadelphia]
This anniversary is a celebration of the people, organizations, and moments that have shaped the tech landscape in Philadelphia. Looking back on this incredible journey reminds us that technology is not just about devices or software, but about the connections and opportunities it creates, and the lives it transforms.
Building Community
Philly Tech Week’s impact was amplified through the diverse range of events featured on the community calendar, ensuring there was something for everyone. Attendees could engage in events covering a variety of topics like art and design, AI, and entrepreneurship, alongside technical workshops, expert panel discussions, and pitch competitions. For those seeking inspiration or networking opportunities, insightful talks by industry leaders and casual happy hours fostered connection and collaboration. This variety highlighted Philly Tech Week’s commitment to inclusivity, offering access points for individuals from all backgrounds, skill levels, and interests to shape the future of technology in Philadelphia.
"Every event was a reminder: Philly has the talent, heart, and drive to lead the way in tech — we just need to keep opening doors." - Barrin D. [PTW25 attendee]
Over 80 partners, including community organizations, local businesses, and grassroots leaders, came together to host events that reflected the vibrant culture and innovation thriving across Philadelphia. These events spanned diverse neighborhoods, ensuring that tech conversations and opportunities were accessible to all corners of the city. From interactive panels and workshops to networking mixers and family-friendly activities, the collaboration among event organizers demonstrated the collective commitment to fostering growth, connectivity, and inclusivity within the tech and broader Philadelphia communities.
Thank you to all of our incredible community partners whose time, talent, and energy made Philly Tech Week 2025 possible! Your commitment to collaboration and innovation helped create a week that truly reflected the power and potential of Philadelphia’s tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. This shared effort not only highlighted the city’s dynamic spirit but also laid a strong foundation for sustaining these invaluable connections and developments in the years ahead.
Tech as a Catalyst for Economic Mobility
Through various events, PTW25 underscored the powerful connection between technology and economic mobility, showcasing how innovation can drive opportunities across communities. Particular attention was given to bridging the digital divide, ensuring that every member of our community has the tools and training needed to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven economy.
During the week, two featured events showcased local economic development leaders - the 1Philadelphia Spring 2025 Exchange and Technical.ly Builders Conference.
The Exchange
1Philadelphia's Spring 2025 Exchange was a gathering of almost 200 leaders focused on shaping the future of digital access, education and entrepreneurship in Philadelphia. It was incredible to see the Philly tech community unite to brainstorm bold ideas and drive progress for all Philadelphians.
"[I] enjoyed the first day of Philly Tech Week - 1Philadelphia Exchange - great energy, inspiring panel, and a clear signal that Philly’s tech and innovation community is on the rise. [...] 1Philadelphia is tapping into something powerful. The future looks bright if we keep building with intention and collaboration." - Vincent P. [PTW25 attendee]
Throughout the day, The Exchange delved into pivotal topics such as digital access, the value of investing in the tech ecosystem, and the exciting momentum propelling our city forward toward 2026. This remarkable gathering of thought leaders truly captured the spirit of Philly Tech Week - fostering collaboration, driving growth, and celebrating the strength of community.
Builders Conference
Technical.ly's annual Builders Conference was a highlight of PTW25, drawing 250 professionals from across the tech industry. This one-of-a-kind event fostered creativity, collaboration, and practical insights, leaving attendees equipped with fresh perspectives and tools to tackle today’s digital challenges.
The conference covered a wide array of engaging topics, from storytelling and ecosystem building to the evolving role of AI in various industries. Attendees also gained valuable advice for startup success, including how to perfect a pitch, achieve product-market fit, and avoid common legal pitfalls. By uniting developers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, the Builders Conference served as a catalyst for innovation and a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Founders at the Forefront
Founders are the driving force of any tech ecosystem, making it essential to invest in and support our city's entrepreneurs. Philly Tech Week showcased a dynamic lineup of events designed to empower and equip founders with the tools and resources needed for success. From hands-on workshops on achieving product-market fit to insightful panels on securing funding, the week offered valuable opportunities for founders at every stage of their journey.
Future Forward: Startups
1Philadelphia's Future Forward: Startups was dedicated to celebrating innovation and empowering startups in Philadelphia’s thriving tech ecosystem. This summit brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to explore the latest trends, share insights, and foster collaboration.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really appreciate the community that 1Philadelphia builds and fosters in Philly's tech scene." - Nic E. [PTW25 attendee]
By investing in entrepreneurship, we are empowering innovators and creating a thriving ecosystem that attracts talent, drives job creation, and positions Philadelphia as a hub for technological and economic advancement.
Building Pathways for Technologists
Philly Tech Week demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering the growth and success of technologists across all levels and disciplines. Through thoughtfully designed programming, the week provided a platform for technologists to elevate their skills, explore cutting-edge tools, and connect with industry leaders. Hands-on workshops and insightful talks focused on emerging technologies and offered attendees practical knowledge and actionable insights to apply in their careers.
By offering these resources, PTW not only supported the professional advancement of individuals but also contributed to building a more innovative, resilient, and equitable tech ecosystem for years to come.
Thank You to our PTW25 Sponsors
1Philadelphia is proud to acknowledge a roster of supporters for this year's Philly Tech Week - anchored by title sponsor, Comcast and other participating sponsors, including: The Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Comcast NBCUniversal Lift Labs, J.P. Morgan, SAP, Bank of America, Glean, Department of Commerce City of Philadelphia, Pennovation Works, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, CIC, University City Science Center, Technical.ly, Techsgiving, and PACT.
About Philly Tech Week
Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast is one of the country's longest- running innovation festivals, bringing together technology, innovation, and community in a weeklong celebration. Whether you're a seasoned professional, an emerging entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of tech, there's something for everyone at Philly Tech Week.
About 1Philadelphia
1Philadelphia is a coalition of public and private stakeholders working to build a tech community where everyone can thrive. Our goal is to elevate the city’s position as a hub for innovation through community cultivation, talent development and entrepreneurial investment.
