The Pennsylvania Drug Discovery Institute (PDDI) is an independent, nonprofit organization [501(c)(3)] that conducts research and provides service to the scientific community in the PA/NJ/DE tristate region. The PDDI is involved in discovering new drugs and in accelerating the translation of discoveries into potential therapies for improving human health. Its drug discovery capabilities reside within a network of nonprofit research institutes and biotechnology companies, with emphasis on innovative, multidisciplinary, collaborative research. We use industry-standard methods to identify therapeutic targets, lead compounds, and preclinical development compounds; assess risk; and advance potential clinical development candidates. The PDDI serves as a think-tank to brainstorm ways to enhance productivity in early drug discovery research and to improve the process of technology transfer. We attract top scientists and work to create jobs in companies within the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center (PABIO) community. We provide service to the regional scientific community by helping to re-integrate experienced and senior-level biomedical scientists, who have been laid off, into the scientific and technical workforce.