Innovation and invention are no stranger to Philadelphia.
That new thinking tends to come in new forms every generation. In the last decade, Philadelphia has seen an explosion of creative communities, from music and food to urbanism and the environment. Technology, too.
Back in 2010, new communities of makers and doers were coalescing. They were always more varied than what a “tech community” might suggest — just like those in Philadelphia’s “arts” community might. But the phrase gave an identity to a growing group of technologists, entrepreneurs, designers and access advocates that has now become a routine part of Philadelphia’s makeup.
A decade ago, one of the efforts that first rallied a broad cross-section of these, and others, was Philly Tech Week, which Technical.ly first launched in 2010. It proved a rallying cry that, as it turns out, has driven real change.
So, though innovation has been here from the beginning — and there are icons to prove it —ahead of the 10th annual Philly Tech Week Presented by Comcast that’s coming up September 21-25, we wanted to check in on the impact this big annual, open celebration of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation has made.
For our reflection, watch the video below (and keep an eye out for a cameo guest appearance):
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ0aKoyz59w]
Here’s who joined us:
- Robert Cheetham, president and CEO, Azavea
- Brigitte Daniel, Executive Vice President, Wilco
- Michael Nutter, former mayor, City of Philadelphia
- Frank Lee, professor of digital media, Drexel University
- Danielle Cohn, vice president, startup engagement + head of LIFT Labs, Comcast
- Uva Coles, president, Inclusiva
- Dave Silver, cofounder and CEO, REC Philly
- Jumoke Dada, techpreneur and storyteller, Tech Women Network + HUE Tech Summit
- A special guest… from somewhere in Philly
- The Philly Tech Week team, Technical.ly
This video was made with Philly pride by our friends at Great Big Digital.
Thank you to our current sponsors
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Whether you’re at a growth-stage startup or legacy industry, Philly Tech Week seeks to place you at the forefront of a rapidly expanding tech and innovation economy. The event series aims to establish, build and fortify your position within the East Coast’s thriving innovation scene.
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P.S. We have TWO MORE special event announcements coming this week.
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