Philly weekly roundup: Drexel’s new AI degree; BFTP’s impact; $636M from events

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This week in Philly, how growing up in rural Ireland shaped one founder’s entrepreneurship experience, a local startup wins a global competition and more.

Read on for Technical.ly’s weekly roundup of top news in the region.

📰 News Incubator: What else to know

• Civic tech projects like Clean and Green Philly provide vital resources to the city, nonprofits and community orgs, but they are often underfunded and undervalued, writes Amanda Soskin. [Technical.ly]

• AI is creating unrealistic expectations for cake designs, according to the owners of Cake Life Bake Shop. [Technical.ly]

• Drexel University launched an undergraduate degree in AI and machine learning, joining other local institutions like the University of Pennsylvania in offering AI as a major. [Drexel/Technical.ly]

• Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ statewide 2024 Impact Report found that the organization supported 1,630 companies. [BFTP]

• Tracey Welson-Rossman announced that GTIA returned the TechGirlz curriculum to her. She is planning to put together a brainstorming group to find a new home for the materials. [Technical.ly]

•  Events facilitated by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2024 generated $636 million of economic impact, according to PHLCVB’s annual report. [PHLCVB]

• RealLIST Connector Grace Francisco announced a new role as a founding member and partner of the entrepreneur services firm EMG Worldwide. [Technical.ly/LinkedIn]

• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia used gene editing technology to save a baby with a rare metabolic disorder. [The Inquirer]

• After her own experience as a benefits consultant, Holly Adams launched GoWell Benefits to simplify the benefits enrollment process for employees and employers. [Technical.ly]

• Philly Startup Leaders is rebranding to just Startup Leaders, with a new focus on virtual expansion. [Philly Biz Journal]

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Partner event: Build connections to turn innovations into real-world products at the free uCity Square IP to Impact Summit on May 22. Students, entrepreneurs and people looking to expand their startup networks are welcome. Plus, get a new headshot while you’re there. [Sign up]

• Partner event: Find out firsthand from local elected officials what their plans are to navigate the scientific landscape in the current political climate. The free town hall hosted by the Philadelphia Science Action takes place on May 29. [Get tickets]

• Join Iffy Books virtually or in person for the Permacomputing and Solarpunk meetup on May 21. [More details]

• Code and Coffee Philly is hosting a startup coworking circle on May 23. [More details]

• Watch health technology companies pitch at Penn Health-Tech Accelerator’s demo day on June 5. [Get tickets]