I've noticed a trend in my inbox. More universities are pitching me about AI in higher ed, each with a unique case study on how leaders are handling tech in the classroom. Read more below about how two ends of the spectrum — Temple and Jefferson Universities — are approaching it. 

Speaking of AI and education, there's news about funding for Penn's Pioneering AI in School Systems program. Find out more in this year's final money moves. 

Plus, we have exciting news. Technical.ly is breaking out of the mid-Atlantic, with our first full launch in a new region: the South. Coming in early 2026, Louisiana will be a new area of focus on top of Philly and others that we cover.

One last thing, this newsletter is taking a holiday break and will return in January. Thank you for the past year of tips, events, email replies and more. I'm excited for everything 2026 has in store for Philly tech. 

— Sarah Huffman, lead reporter in Philadelphia

See our plans for Louisiana here. 

How Temple and Jefferson approach AI 

There is no "right" way to integrate AI into the classroom. Temple University and Thomas Jefferson University are two local examples of higher education institutions with contrasting approaches. 

Jefferson is loud about embracing the technology, and its guidelines encourage faculty in all departments to include it in the curriculum. Temple's AI policy is more cautious. It instructs students not to use AI unless specifically allowed by their professor.

What do they have in common? Humans at the center. Continue reading ... 

Penn expands AI program in PA, NJ and DE

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education plans to expand its Pioneering AI in School Systems program after receiving $1 million from Google. 

The program, which teaches educators and administrators about the impact and applications of AI, started as a pilot this year in the School District of Philadelphia. With the new funding, it will expand to five new school districts in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. 

Plus, the Wistar Institute secured funding for its Biomedical Technician Training Program and other money moves. Continue reading ... 

💵 Funding check-in

 Relevant SEC filings from the past week

• Chilean Cobalt Corp, $3M, [Energy]

📰 News Incubator: What else to know

Stories from our newsroom and around the web  

• Louisiana will be Technical.ly's first market in the South [Technical.ly]
  
  
• From scrap to security: How CyberCrunch built success in industry before it really existed [Technical.ly]
  
  
• Clear Admit: Advice on how to prep for an MBA, from a company that's done it for 25 years [Technical.ly]
  
  
• Philadelphia must imagine its next 250 years [Technical.ly] 
  
  
• These street sign artists are helping Philadelphia commuters answer and age old question: Where's the bus? [The Inquirer 🔒]
  
  
• Adare Pharma Solutions to close Philadelphia plant, eliminating 137 jobs [Philly Biz Journal 🔒]
  
  
• Philadelphia startup Ritten raises $35M to expand behavioral health platform [Philly Biz Journal 🔒]

On the Calendar

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