PIDC Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025

by PIDC
March 18, 2025

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For Immediate Release:
March 18, 2025

Contact:
Kevin Lessard, PIDC
SVP, Marketing Communications & Government Affairs
215.496.8161

PHILADELPHIA —PIDC, Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation is proud to have been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025, earning the #7 spot in the Economic Development category. This year’s list shines a spotlight on businesses that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations to set new standards and achieve remarkable milestones in all sectors of the economy. Alongside the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company recognizes 609 organizations across 58 sectors and regions.

“We are honored to be recognized by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025, “ said Jodie L. Harris, president of PIDC. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team, as well as the strong partnerships we have cultivated with key institutions, developers, and government agencies across Philadelphia. At PIDC, we remain committed to driving sustainable growth that supports business expansion and real estate development, creating jobs, opportunities, and strengthening neighborhoods. On behalf of the dedicated PIDC team, we’re grateful for this recognition, and particularly for Fast Company’s focus on our successful redevelopment of the Navy Yard, which has been a 25-year public-private partnership with the City and Commonwealth.”

PIDC supports transformative community projects that drive inclusive growth across Philadelphia through financing, real estate solutions, and business support services. In 2024, PIDC supported over 250 small businesses, nonprofits, developers, partners, and more. Projects include the development of ACANA’s Africa Center, a cultural and community hub for Philadelphia booming immigrant populations; the redevelopment of the historic Zion Baptist Church Annex into The Reverend Leon Sullivan Community Impact Center, a key component of the ongoing Broad, Germantown and Erie commercial corridor revitalization efforts; and the renovation and expansion of Delaware Valley Community Health’s new Family Medicine Residency Program, increasing access to quality healthcare for all. These projects exemplify PIDC’s commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and creating lasting economic impact.

“This well-deserved recognition reflects the bold vision and tireless efforts of the entire PIDC team, partners, and the businesses we support across Philadelphia,” said Salvatore Patti, chair of PIDC’s Board of Directors. “Innovation is at the heart of our work, whether through transformative investments in neighborhoods, creative financing solutions for businesses, or the ongoing evolution of the Navy Yard. We remain committed to driving economic growth that will benefit Philadelphians for generations to come.”

PIDC is also celebrating 25 years of successful redevelopment at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where they have played a pivotal role as lead developer, transforming the former military base into a thriving, modern business campus. Over the past quarter-century, PIDC has overseen the revitalization of this 1,200-acre hub, attracting a diverse mix of industries, including life sciences, manufacturing, and fashion. Today, the Navy Yard is home to 150 employers and more than 15,000 workers, with eight million square feet of mixed-use space that includes offices, research labs, production facilities, and public amenities. With ongoing expansion and a commitment to sustainable development, PIDC continues to shape the Navy Yard as a premier destination for innovation and economic growth in Philadelphia.

The World’s Most Innovative Companies stands as Fast Company’s hallmark franchise and one of its most anticipated editorial efforts of the year. To determine honorees, Fast Company’s editors and writers review companies driving progress around the world and across industries, evaluating thousands of submissions through a competitive application process. The result is a globe-spanning guide to innovation today, from early-stage startups to some of the most valuable companies in the world.

“Our list of the Most Innovative Companies offers both a comprehensive look at innovation today and a playbook for the future,” said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year, we recognize companies that are harnessing AI in deep and meaningful ways, brands that are turning customers into superfans by overdelivering for them, and challengers that are introducing bold ideas and vital competition to their industries. At a time when the world is rapidly shifting, these companies are charting the way forward.”

The full list of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies honorees can now be found at fastcompany.com, along with an article explaining how the media organization compiled its 2025 list. The full list will be available on newsstands beginning March 25.

Fast Company will host the Most Innovative Companies Summit and Gala for honorees on June 5. The summit features a day of inspiring content, followed by a creative black-tie gala including networking, a seated dinner, and an honoree presentation. 


ABOUT PIDC
PIDC is Philadelphia’s city-wide, public-private economic development corporation. As a nonprofit founded in 1958 as a partnership of the City of Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, PIDC’s mission is to spur investment, support business growth, and foster developments that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia. We achieve our mission through a diverse range of financing products, real estate solutions, and business support services. 

Over 65+ years, PIDC has completed more than 13,500 transactions, delivering nearly $21 billion in financing and 3,400+ acres of land sales. These investments have helped retain and create hundreds of thousands of jobs in Philadelphia, leveraging tens of billions in total economic impact. As of year-end 2024, PIDC managed a direct loan and third-party portfolio exceeding $522 million across 548 loans and a 135-acre publicly-controlled industrial land inventory.

PIDC is also the master developer of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, leading its planning, development, and operations. Today, the Navy Yard is a thriving 1,200-acre campus with 150 employers, 15,000 workers, and eight million square feet of mixed-use facilities.For more information about PIDC, visit PIDCphila.com and follow us at @PIDCphila on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com

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