By: Ayannah Kamryn

For more than 30 years, the Enterprise Awards have stood as the region’s premier honor for founders, innovators, and growth-stage companies shaping Greater Philadelphia’s tech, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. As the innovation landscape continues to expand, PACT is proud to introduce a refreshed evolution of this legacy: The PACT Ecosystem Awards.

This transition marks more than a name change—it’s a modernized vision that better reflects the diverse, interconnected ecosystem powering innovation across the region. From early-stage startups to established market leaders, the PACT Ecosystem Awards celebrate the full continuum of organizations driving economic impact, discovery, and growth.

Recent insights from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Brookings highlight that the strongest regional economies thrive when small, mid-market, and enterprise organizations collaborate within a unified innovation pipeline. The PACT Ecosystem Awards are designed to honor that full spectrum.

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Why the Evolution? A Name That Reflects Today’s Innovation Community

The shift from Enterprise Awards to PACT Ecosystem Awards comes after thoughtful dialogue with members and stakeholders. While “enterprise” often connotes large-scale organizations, today’s innovation community includes a far wider range of companies at different stages.

The new name better represents the dynamic, cross-sector nature of Greater Philadelphia’s tech, healthcare, and life sciences ecosystem. It allows us to honor not only corporate leaders, but also:

• Emerging startups building breakthrough technologies
• High-growth scaleups expanding nationally
• Corporate innovators strengthening regional competitiveness
• Life sciences pioneers advancing global research
• Healthcare changemakers improving patient outcomes
• Investors and capital partners fueling sustainable growth

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A Renewed Event Experience for 2026

While the awards program is evolving, PACT remains committed to delivering the exceptional experience the community expects. Please join us at the ceremony on May 19, 2026 for:

• A refreshed event design
• New storytelling elements throughout the ceremony
• Updated and newly added award categories
• More opportunities for founders, investors, and leaders to connect

Venue Highlight: Springfield Country Club

We’re excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Springfield Country Club, known for its service, hospitality, and ability to host hundreds of regional leaders. The familiar venue will feature new programming, updated experiences, an enhanced menu, and a few surprises—alongside the fan-favorite elements our community loves.

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Inside the 2026 Award Categories

Applications for the 2026 PACT Ecosystem Awards open December 8, 2025. This year’s categories recognize impact at every stage of growth:

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Technology Startup Company of the Year

Criteria:

• Founded, launched meaningful operations, or pivoted between Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2025
• HQ or significant operations in the region, with leadership and team presence locally

Healthcare & Life Sciences Startup Company of the Year

Criteria:

• Founded or pivoted between Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2025
• HQ or major regional presence with key leadership in the region

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Technology Emerging Growth Company of the Year

Criteria:

• $3M–$50M ARR or TTM revenue
• If projected revenue exceeds $50M in 2025, companies should apply for Technology Company of the Year

Healthcare & Life Sciences Growth Company of the Year

Criteria:

• Operates within segments such as biotech, medtech, health tech, diagnostics, therapeutics, and instrumentation
• If revenue-producing: minimum $3M ARR or TTM
• If clinical-stage: must have demonstrated human proof-of-concept

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Transaction of the Year (Exit, Investment, Partnerships, M&A)

Criteria:

• Deal executed between Nov 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2025
• Includes IPO, capital raise, buy-side or sell-side M&A
• Requires HQ or significant regional presence

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Technology Company of the Year

Criteria:

• More than $50M ARR or TTM revenue
• HQ or major operations in the region

Healthcare & Life Sciences Company of the Year

Criteria:

• Operates within key life sciences and healthcare categories
• If revenue-producing: minimum $50M ARR or TTM
• If clinical-stage: must be in advanced clinical studies, ideally across multiple products
• Regional HQ or significant operations required

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Join Us in Celebrating the Region’s Future

The launch of The PACT Ecosystem Awards opens a new chapter for Greater Philadelphia—one that elevates more voices, highlights more innovation stories, and continues our legacy of recognizing the companies shaping our region’s economic future.

Whether you’re a founder, investor, executive, or community builder, now is the time to participate in the growth and momentum of our innovation ecosystem.

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Interested in sponsoring The PACT Ecosystem Awards?

Email Jen Devor at jdevor@philadelphiapact.com to explore sponsorship opportunities.

Want to be part of the region’s innovation future?

Join PACT as a member and engage with the leaders shaping Greater Philadelphia’s tech, healthcare, and life sciences landscape.

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Learn more ways on how you can get connected to companies, thought leaders, and business networking. 

Learn about PACT Membership and see upcoming events for investors and entrepreneurs in technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Plus – get on PACT’s newsletter to stay connected with the latest resources!