The future of healthcare is here. What technologies will shape it?

The term “life sciences” usually comes up whenever Philadelphia’s innovation economy is discussed.

In the eds-and-meds hub, there’s excitement in the long-term potential of areas like gene and cell therapy. There are enterprising startups and resources in the diagnostics and bioengineering fields. And it doesn’t hurt to have a multi-billion-dollar exit story to tout. It’s not all about the future, though: Recent reports consistently rank Philly among the biggest life sciences markets in America, with some 50,000 people currently employed by life sciences companies in the Philly metro area. The industry is quickly outgrowing its existing lab space, too.

That’s just one case study, though. This sector of the tech industry is present — and growing — in each of Technical.ly’s five markets, from applying AI to healthcare to making CRISPR research accessible to high schoolers. And with the deadliest pandemic in U.S. history still lingering, it’s not hyperbole to say that it’s more important than ever to apply new innovations to old health challenges.

In October, Technical.ly reporters in Philly, Baltimore, DC, Delaware and Pittsburgh will be exploring this and related topics further during our Tech + Health Month 2021. Look for stories on the intersection of technology and health — including life sciences, health IT, medtech, mental health resources and the like.

Some questions we’ll seek to answer: What role are local life sciences and digital health communities playing amid the pandemic? How will technology transformation embraced during the pandemic shape healthcare going forward? What’s the scope and opportunity of our local life science markets? What resources exist to boost healthtech startups? And, what professional opportunities exist at this intersection?

To get a taste, check some recent tech + health stories we’ve covered:

• Pittsburgh has long been a life sciences engine. Now it’s at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccine efforts
• This Fairfax founder created a social media app for patient connections
• Delaware’s first comprehensive life sciences report shows big momentum
• University City Science Center is launching a VC arm to invest in health equity startups
• Baltimore’s Pumas-AI looks to democratize access to drug development tools

Are you an expert we should talk to, or do you know of one? Is there a report we need to read to better explain this topic? Are you working on a product or solution for the future of work? Want to write a first-person guest post about your relevant experience, or to share some relevant resources? Let us know:

This editorial article is a part of Tech + Health Month of Technical.ly's editorial calendar. This month’s theme is underwritten by the Chesapeake Digital Health Exchange. This story was independently reported and not reviewed by CDHX before publication.