The Innovation Space
AcceleratorWilmington · Pre-Seed–Seed · 26 people tracked
Investment thesis
The Innovation Space cultivates a global hub for high-potential startups that commercialize breakthrough scientific innovations. By providing cutting-edge laboratory facilities and equipment available 24/7, essential funding, collaborative community support, and comprehensive business-building programs, the organization accelerates the formation and growth of science-based companies addressing global challenges in life sciences, clean technology, and advanced materials.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 26 people
from the firm's website
Founder and CEO of The Innovation Space who oversees all operations. Previously led global science and engineering operations at DuPont, including the company's open innovation practice and innovation centers worldwide. Has held extensive research, marketing, business development, and manufacturing leadership roles over 30 years. Currently serves on the boards of AAAS, the Resolution Project, and the National Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Managing Director for the First Fund at The Innovation Space with national recognition for work in economic development and technology-based investment. Previously served 25 years as President, CEO, and Board member of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeast PA. Introduced investment approaches that enabled state support to compound over time and oversaw design and implementation of early-stage SSBCI funds. Co-founded and chairs Broad Street Angels, a 120+ member angel group.
Seasoned biopharma executive with over two decades of leadership spanning large pharmaceutical companies, biotech ventures, and healthcare investment. Proven track record in corporate and portfolio strategy, business development, M&A transactions, and product pipeline advancement. Led global franchises at major pharmaceutical companies and co-founded biotech startups. Experienced across oncology, hematology, immunology, and other therapeutic areas.
Accomplished strategic healthcare executive and entrepreneur with 30+ years bridging science and commercialization. Diverse product development experience in global pharmaceutical and biomedical companies from startup to Fortune 500. Previously served as CEO of PolyAurum, a preclinical-stage biotech company spun out of University of Pennsylvania developing gold nanoparticles for cancer treatment. Brings track record of bringing products from concept through launch and life cycle.
Cross-functional senior executive with operational, financial, and administrative experience in emerging and established businesses. Primarily focused on corporate development and business strategy execution within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and venture capital segments. Expertise spans company creation, corporate strategy, R&D portfolio management, fundraising, and M&A strategy across multiple therapeutic areas.
Principal of Material Insights, LLC mentoring and investing in early-stage climatetech and deeptech startups. Serves on investment committees and chairs Columbia University's Carbontech Development Initiative Steering Committee. Previously held 15-year role as Corporate Technology Scout for Dow Chemical evaluating startups for partnership and investment. Held positions in research management and business development at Rohm and Haas. Holds Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry.
Entrepreneur in Residence bringing vast knowledge of investors and investment philosophy. Recently led creation of Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative at University of Delaware. Employee #23 of Alumni Ventures Group and founding managing partner of Chestnut Street Ventures and AVG Women's Fund, raising nearly $20 million and investing in over 75 companies. Previously served as COO of The Bancorp Bank and held executive roles at PNC, Chase, Capital One. Holds B.S. in Economics, Finance, and Statistics from Wharton.
Serial entrepreneur and startup founder with 20 years of biomanufacturing expertise in agricultural biotech, synthetic biology, and biofuels. Identifies and advances platform technologies from concept to commercialization. Driven to develop sustainable biomanufacturing companies that define the industry's future.
Principal of Gnosys, Inc., providing life science business development and technology consulting, and venture partner with Innovating Capital. Previously worked as EIR with Spruce Capital Partners and held a program director role at ARPA-E focused on transportation energy. Founded Azure Therapeutics and held seminal roles at Pharmacopeia and ActivX Biosciences. Started career at Merck Research Laboratories. Holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and MBA from UC San Diego.
Repeat deep tech entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience leading organizations in nanotechnology, advanced materials, sensors, and healthcare. Founder, CEO, and COO of multiple companies. TechConnect National Innovation Award winner with expertise in innovation, business development, product management, and operations. Holds MBA in Entrepreneurial Management from Wharton and A.B. in History of Science from Princeton.
Visionary biotech executive with 25+ years of global experience leading VC-backed and commercial-stage biopharma companies. Proven track record raising over $90 million in equity and non-dilutive capital and executing strategic M&As. MIT-trained biochemical engineer with expertise in RNA therapeutics, rare diseases, and next-generation biologics. Known for building and scaling companies to exit.
Entrepreneur in Residence with over 30 years of experience as entrepreneur, consultant, and senior executive in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, devices, and space systems. Has successfully started and built innovative companies, raising over $75 million in capital and $2 million in grant funding. Member of Ben Franklin Technology Partners investment committee and Associate Editor of the Journal of Translational Medicine. Holds multiple advanced degrees including MBA and Masters in Biotechnology and Engineering.
Innovation and strategy leader with over two decades at the intersection of science, technology, and business. Career focused on science-based innovation across biotechnology, specialty chemicals, and advanced materials. Held leadership roles at International Flavors & Fragrances and DuPont. Also served as EIR with Ginkgo Bioworks and founding executive in BP-DuPont joint venture. Holds Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Chief Operating Officer responsible for facilities and laboratory operations at The Innovation Space. Previously spent seven years at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering in various R&D and laboratory operations roles, with recent assignments focused on CO2 reduction initiatives in carbon capture and biofuels. Holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware.
Board member serving as Director at DuPont where he works on portfolio strategy development and execution. Previously worked as investment banker and corporate attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Over the course of his career has advised business leaders and entrepreneurs across diverse business models and industries.
Program Manager leading accelerator programs supporting early-stage founders in life sciences, clean tech, and advanced materials. Brings over two decades of experience at the intersection of technology, commercialization, and human-centered innovation. Previously founded and led ConvAI Partners and held roles in innovation and entrepreneurship leadership within a large health system. Holds an M.S. and has expertise in product-market fit and customer discovery.
Partnerships Program Manager supporting relationships with universities and students. Previously managed entrepreneurship programs at Columbia University including the NSF I-Corps program, startup bootcamps, and pitch competitions. Has experience managing programs for entrepreneurs across technology, health, and engineering sectors. Studied Environmental Studies at Dickinson College and was pursuing an EMPA degree at Columbia University's SIPA program.
Experienced life sciences professional with over 15 years in laboratory operations and management. Founder of Pristinology, Philadelphia's first Latino-owned scientific cleaning company. Brings deep expertise in laboratory environments, safety, and compliance to support scientific advancement at The Innovation Space.
Principal Consultant overseeing operations and impact measurement with over 10 years of experience leading education and professional development. Previously led incubator programming focused on innovation and social entrepreneurship for a global network of colleges and universities. Holds an M.Ed. in International Education from Vanderbilt University and dual B.A. degrees in Communication Studies and English.
Sr. Staff Scientist and Lab Manager responsible for managing analytical equipment and working with Innovation Space clients. Holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a B.S. in Chemical Toxicology from UC Davis. His doctoral research focused on chemical and electronic characterization of thin films using advanced spectroscopy techniques.
Chief Growth Officer leading external communications, strategic partnerships, and programs supporting startups in life sciences, clean tech, and advanced materials. Previously co-founded a tech startup in the events industry and held multiple roles at Cleveland Clinic Innovations, most recently as Director of Global Healthcare Innovation Alliance. Has product development experience in biomaterial and cardiovascular sectors with expertise in customer discovery and ecosystem building.
Board member serving as University of Delaware's Vice President for Research, Scholarship, and Innovation. Experienced administrator, researcher, and educator. Previously held roles as Interim Vice President for Research at Stony Brook University and Operations Manager for SUNY Research Foundation. Structural biologist specializing in mitochondrial biogenesis. Holds Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Universidad Autónoma in Madrid, Spain.
Manager of Laboratory Operations responsible for lab safety, chemical hygiene, and facility maintenance at The Innovation Space. Previously worked at the Experimental Station for Bayshore Transportation and held positions in database management and facility maintenance. Brings expertise in laboratory operations, building and equipment maintenance, and IT system development.
Program Manager facilitating connections between founders and the Innovation Space's mentor community through formal and informal mentorship programming. Supports strategic partnerships and external outreach to partner organizations. Previously held assignments in the Product Stewardship and Regulatory department at DuPont and has experience in federal and state environmental governance.
Client Experience Manager leading engagement with Innovation Space clients. Previously held roles as Associate Scientist in bioanalytical research at QPS and as Forensic Scientist for the Armed Forces DNA Identification Lab, where her lab work contributed to identifying over 100 fallen soldiers. Holds a B.S. in Forensic Biology from Delaware State University.
Marketing and Communications Manager supporting program visibility, stakeholder engagement, and organizational storytelling. Brings experience in communications and content strategy across higher education, research, and innovation-focused organizations with particular interest in communicating complex ideas clearly.
What they invest in
from 77 of 108 portfolio companiesBiotech ×40Medical Devices ×31Healthtech ×21Deep Tech ×20New Materials ×17Cleantech ×13Hardware ×8Advanced Manufacturing ×6
HQs:United States×14Australia×1Canada×1China×1Türkiye×1
Investments · showing 60 of 108
founders shown can be your intro path4th Phase Technologies produces chemically densified carbon nanotube sheets for filtration applications, including hazardous waste treatment and water purification. The company's technology focuses on membrane-based filtration solutions.
CleantechNew MaterialsWilmington, US
Adesis provides specialized chemistry services and custom synthesis for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including complex molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, and labeled compounds for drug development and research.
Advanced ManufacturingBiotech
AirJoule develops sorption technologies to extract and provide water from atmospheric moisture, targeting next-generation data centers in water-stressed regions.
CleantechClimate TechHardware
Ajaya develops precision antibodies designed to selectively remove disease-causing immune cells while preserving healthy immune function, targeting autoimmune disease treatment.
Biotech
Ally Power develops hydrogen and electric refueling infrastructure, operating stations that supply zero-emission fuel for vehicles. The company serves transportation and logistics operators seeking alternative fuel solutions.
CleantechEnergyMobility & TransportationMaryland, US
Aloe Therapeutics develops AIM-001, a cell-based immunotherapy for solid tumors that is implanted locally during surgery to activate the immune system and enhance response to checkpoint immunotherapy. The therapy targets advanced cancer patients with limited treatment options.
BiotechMedical Devices
Amalgent develops combination drugs based on existing medications to improve the safety profile of oral pain therapeutics for the US market. The company is in clinical-stage development focused on pain management.
Medical Devices
Antelope Surgical Solutions develops multimodality small molecule imaging agents that bind to cancer cells and fluoresce during surgery, enabling surgeons to visualize tumor margins in real time. The company serves surgical oncologists and provides diagnostic, radiotherapeutic, and fluorescence-guided surgical applications.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechMedical Devices
Amy Wu(Dr.)
Anvigen develops biodegradable polymer-based microcapsules that can encapsulate bacteria, pheromones, fertilizers, and other chemical additives for agricultural applications. The technology enables more efficient and sustainable farming by improving crop growth, pest control, and nutrient delivery.
AgTechBiotech
APASOMICS develops Apasomes, a drug delivery system using hydroxyapatite nanospheres designed to deliver bone-targeting medications like bisphosphonates more effectively while reducing side effects, for patients with osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
BiotechDeep TechMedical Devices
Mavis Montero Villalobos(CEO & Co-Founder)
Ardan Pharma is a biotech company developing small-molecule immunotherapies targeting TMEM176A/B to address resistance in cancer treatment. The company is advancing drug candidates from pre-clinical to clinical stage with operations in the United States, Uruguay, and Argentina.
BiotechMedical DevicesDelaware, US
Online casino and sports betting platform operating in Turkey, offering slot games, live casino, and esports betting with mobile and web-based access.
ConsumerGamingIstanbul, TR
Ballydel Technologies develops novel materials and manufacturing processes for use in pharmaceutical, defense, energy, and consumer goods applications.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechNew Materials
Miist develops inhaled microparticle therapeutics that deliver medicine to the bloodstream in 30 seconds, targeting conditions like migraine, pain, and anxiety where rapid onset is critical. The company is advancing a portfolio of systemic therapies starting with MST-02, a migraine treatment designed to work significantly faster than existing oral medications.
BiotechHealthtechMedical DevicesAlameda, US
Eric Ezerins(Cofounder, Head of Technology)inDalton Signor(Cofounder, CEO)in
Cell BioEngines develops allogeneic off-the-shelf cell therapies derived from transgene-free stem cells for oncology and regenerative medicine applications. The company employs HLA-guided design and scalable manufacturing to create therapeutic cell-based products intended to function as drugs.
BiotechDeep TechMedical Devices
Albert Einstein
Cellergy develops immunotherapies to treat patients with severe allergic disease and cancer.
Biotech
Chiima Therapeutics develops non-hormonal therapies for women's health conditions including endometriosis, pre-term labor, and PCOS. The biotech company focuses on novel medicines for unmet medical needs affecting women.
BiotechFemTechHealthtech
Clean Valley develops modular, scalable biofilters and oyster hatcheries for land-based aquaculture farms to improve sustainability, profitability, and environmental impact. The company supports farmers in adopting eco-friendly aquaculture practices globally.
AgTechCircular EconomyClimate TechUnspecified, CA
CocoaFiber converts cocoa pod husks from chocolate production into regenerated cellulose textile fibers using a proprietary wet-chemistry process. The company targets textile mills, brands, and automotive suppliers seeking bio-based, fossil-free fiber alternatives for apparel, automotive interiors, and soft goods applications.
Advanced ManufacturingCircular EconomyNew Materials<UNKNOWN>
Shannen-Kaylia Henry(Founder · Inventor · Lead Process Developer)
FortisKap manufactures biometric-secured prescription vial caps that track medication adherence through fingerprint authentication and real-time pill-count monitoring. The product serves patients, families, healthcare providers, and medication management programs seeking to reduce missed doses and medication diversion.
HealthtechIoTMedical Devices
CQ Medical develops radiation therapy positioning and immobilization devices for oncology treatment, including solutions for brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and particle therapy.
HealthtechMedical Devices
Cyta Therapeutics develops polymer-based nanogel therapeutics (IntelliGels) to treat obesity, NASH, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic disorders. The company's lead program, Cyta-001, is a liver-targeted drug delivery system encapsulating a thyroid hormone receptor agonist for metabolic disease management.
BiotechHealthtechMedical Devices<UNKNOWN>
Bernadette C. Fendrock(Chief Executive Officer, founder)W. Stephen Faraci(Chief Scientific Officer, founder)S. Thayumanavan(Co-founder)
Dunya Analytics provides enterprise risk management software for assessing nature-related impacts and dependencies across business operations and supply chains. The platform helps companies identify environmental vulnerabilities and transition toward regenerative business practices.
Enterprise SoftwareImpact & Social Good
Eco Carbon converts post-consumer plastic waste into high-performance porous carbon materials for industrial applications. The company serves diverse sectors including water purification, gas separation, energy storage, gold recovery, healthcare, and food and beverage industries.
Circular EconomyCleantechNew MaterialsBala Cynwyd, US
Ecovaleric develops electrochemical manufacturing technology to produce biomass-derived chemicals and materials, including solvents, polymers, and fuel additives, at competitive cost and lower emissions. The company uses renewable carbon and electricity-driven chemistry to replace traditional thermochemical manufacturing processes.
CleantechNew Materials
Roberta LeãoAdam HolewinskiWill Lucas
Elven Technologies develops FireGuard™, a fireproof composite material that withstands temperatures up to 2000°C, for use in transportation, construction, aerospace, and specialized applications requiring fire and heat protection. The company also produces fireproof storage containers and protective equipment tailored to customer needs.
CleantechHardwareNew Materials
<UNKNOWN>
Ephemeron Labs develops hardware and software systems for EBIC (Electron Beam Induced Current) measurements on scanning electron microscopes, enabling detection of femtoampere-scale signals in semiconductor and materials analysis.
Deep TechHardwareSemiconductors
Exprimary develops bioanalytical instrumentation and assay products at reduced cost for research and diagnostic markets. The company focuses on enabling personalized healthcare by improving access to bioanalysis tools globally.
BiotechDigital HealthMedical Devices
Flow Medical develops technology for catheter-directed thrombolysis treatment of pulmonary embolism, aiming to improve precision in lytic medication dosing to reduce readmission rates. The company targets interventional cardiologists and radiologists managing acute PE cases.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesChicago, US
Jonathan Paul(Co-Founder, Chief Scientific Officer)Osman Ahmed(Co-Founder, Chief Medical Officer)
GeneLancet develops proprietary LgRNA technology for precise gene editing, with applications in CRISPR polymerase-directed therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases and cancers with unmet medical needs.
BiotechDeep TechHealthtech
Cartwheel manufactures personal care products for children that address common health problems like lice and head odor. The company emphasizes natural, tested ingredients and safety for kids.
ConsumerHealthtech
Harmony Pharma Group provides CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) consulting for small molecule and antibody drug conjugate development, advising pharmaceutical companies from early research through commercial manufacturing stages.
BiotechEnterprise Software
HARTLON manufactures a drug-eluting resorbable vascular stent that provides temporary radial support to arteries during disease treatment and dissolves after healing is complete, leaving the artery in its natural state.
Medical DevicesNewark, US
ImmunoBlue develops nanoimmunotherapies that combine nanotechnology with immunotherapy approaches to treat cancer.
BiotechDeep TechMedical Devices
InveriTek provides high-throughput chemical screening using freshwater planarians, detecting systemic toxicity, neurotoxicity, and ecotoxicity through behavioral phenotyping in whole organisms. The service targets pharmaceutical, chemical, and environmental testing markets requiring toxicology assessment.
BiotechCleantech
KiposTech develops a filterless, chemical-free air purification system for confined livestock facilities to eliminate airborne pathogens and improve biosecurity. The solution targets animal agriculture producers seeking to prevent disease outbreaks and reduce antibiotic resistance in high-density farming environments.
AgTechClimate TechHealthtech
Lakril develops catalytic technologies to convert biomass into renewable chemicals for use as alternatives to petroleum-derived building blocks. The company applies expertise in catalysis and chemical engineering to advance the circular economy and energy transition.
Circular EconomyCleantechDeep TechNew MaterialsChicago, US
Christopher P. Nicholas(Founding Partner / CTO / Director)Justin Brown(CEO / Director)Paul J. Dauenhauer(Founding Partner & Chief Technical Advisor)
LaRa Datx develops targeted treatments addressing unmet medical needs, operating in the biotechnology and medical treatment sector.
Biotech
Layer Metrics develops opto-photonic sensing and metrology technology for real-time monitoring and measurement in advanced manufacturing, enabling simultaneous control of multiple production factors at nano-scale precision.
Advanced ManufacturingDeep TechHardware
Lectrolyst develops electrochemical systems that convert carbon dioxide and water into valuable products, including acetate for sustainable protein production. The company's electro-agriculture technology aims to produce food more efficiently than photosynthesis while reducing land, water, and fertilizer usage.
Climate TechDeep TechFoodTech
Leda provides self-administered DNA testing kits and related services for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, aiming to improve evidence collection and support for survivors. The company partners with certified laboratories for testing and works to strengthen public safety systems and access to justice.
HealthtechImpact & Social Good
LisenID develops a molecular diagnostics test and AI-driven platform that uses Loss of Imprinting biomarkers to identify carcinogenesis and predict cancer in routine tumor biopsy samples. The platform serves clinicians and patients seeking clarity on ambiguous tumor biopsy results across multiple cancer types including lung, thyroid, cervical, and others.
AI & Machine LearningBiotechMedical Devices
Livestock Labs engineers and sources starter cell lines for cultivated meat and animal-derived products including leather and cosmetics. The company focuses on optimizing cells, media inputs, and bioprocesses to reduce production complexity and costs for partners in the next-generation animal protein sector.
AgTechBiotechFoodTech
LORAI Health develops next-generation transdermal drug delivery technologies to address limitations in existing patches, such as poor adhesion and skin irritation. The company targets patients and healthcare systems requiring reliable hormone, pain, and neurological therapies.
BiotechDeep TechMedical DevicesAustralia, AU
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does The Innovation Space invest at?
- The Innovation Space invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed stages.
- What is The Innovation Space's typical check size?
- The Innovation Space typically writes checks of $200K.
- What sectors does The Innovation Space focus on?
- The Innovation Space focuses on Biotech, Cleantech, New Materials.
- Where is The Innovation Space located?
- The Innovation Space is headquartered in Wilmington, US.
- Does The Innovation Space lead rounds?
- The Innovation Space typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
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