Philly weekly roundup: Net neutrality blocked; Tech in local schools; Penn’s new RNA research tool

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Net neutrality struck down by federal court

A federal appeals court blocked the FCC’s efforts to restore net neutrality, which would require internet service providers to provide equal services to all customers. 

This issue has been ongoing for many years. ISPs claim that net neutrality rules are unnecessary regulation. However, small business owners, advocates and local governments argue that net neutrality ensures digital equity for all. 

➡️ Read more about net neutrality’s storied history

A 30-year tenure at just one company

Modern corporate culture sees people changing jobs every few years, but Larry Solomon says that you can learn just as much while staying in one place, as long your role continues to challenge you. 

Solomon spent almost three decades working at consulting giant Accenture. He hopped around to different departments and roles, learning about the business as much as possible. That experience prepped him for his current role as chief people officer at EPAM Systems. 

➡️ Here’s what Larry learned from his time at Accenture

News Incubator: What else to know

• The School District of Philadelphia provides ample tech resources to its staff, but there are no requirements to use it. Without teacher buy-in, some students may get left behind, one teacher said. [Technical.ly]

• University of Pennsylvania researchers are building an AI-based tool to make RNA resources more accessible to the scientific community. [Technical.ly]

• The City of Philadelphia launched Philly Stat 360, which shares data relevant to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s goals. [Philly Stat]

• Campus Philly released a report analyzing the impact of international student retention in the greater Philadelphia region. International graduates in the workforce generate $5.7 billion in economic output, according to the report. [Campus Philly]

• Wexford Science and Technology announced it would be renovating the life sciences facility at 3711 Market Street in uCity Square. The updates include new lab and office spaces. [Wexford Science and Technology]

• PACT is accepting nominations for its annual Enterprise Awards until Jan. 17. [PACT]

• Online safety startup Kidas will integrate its software product into cybersecurity company INVISUS’s product in a new partnership.  [Kidas]

• Kensington-based makerspace Hive76 has plans to double its square footage this year. [Hive76]

• Gene therapy company Gemma Biotherapeutics raised a $34 million seed round.  [Philly Biz Journal]

A note of gratitude

As we enter 2025, Technical.ly is kicking off our next 15 years. And the work is more important than ever:

• With so much concern about declining economic mobility, our guides help people access fast-growth careers.
• With so much confusion around AI use and resources, our ground-up reporting follows the people building the tech.
• With so much debate around immigrant contributions, our storytelling highlights people living the experience.

One thing we’ve learned about our business model: We need your help to keep our site paywall-free. Sending gratitude to all our donors — and all our readers. You’re our community, and we couldn’t do it without you.

➡️ Make a tax-deductible contribution to support local tech reporting

🗓️ On the Calendar

• The first session of Deloitte’s Startup Training series is on Jan. 7. [Register here]

• Join Sports Business Leaders first meetup of the year on Jan. 8 at Yards Brewing. [More details]

• Philly Javascript club is hosting an event on Jan. 9 about how to develop websites using the Astro Framework. [RSVP here]

• Philly Tech Entrepreneurs is hosting a session on Jan. 9 about ROI from clients as part of its Monthly Marketing with Dave series. [More details]

• Start your year with a chill code session. Code and Coffee is back on Jan. 11 at the Yard. [More details]

• Do you want to learn about values-aligned investing? Invest for Better Philly is starting its next session on Jan. 15. [Sign up]