UW is One of Top 100 U.S. Universities With Most Patents

The University of Wyoming has once again made the list of the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) top 100 universities in the U.S. with the most patents granted.

NAI placed UW at No. 91 on its 2024 “Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents” list schedule for release today (Thursday). UW was 91st as well on NAI’s 2022 list.

UW’s latest inclusion on the prestigious top 100 list comes shortly after UW was designated an R1 (Research Level 1) institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in March, joining the best of the best research universities in the country.

“UW’s patent output is a key driver of innovation, leading to startup companies, corporate engagement and job creation for Wyomingites," says Parag Chitnis, UW’s vice president for research and economic development. “This recognition continues to enhance UW’s reputation as a world-class research institution. Its inclusion in the NAI’s Top 100 is particularly remarkable, considering its small size.”

Inclusion on the list underscores the Research and Economic Development Division’s intensified focus on the growth of UW’s research enterprise, says Arundeep Pradhan, deputy vice president for research and innovation. He adds that UW’s recent designation as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity institution as well as a relentless effort to enhance its translational research and innovation ecosystem are fueling UW’s positive impacts on Wyoming’s economy.

NAI is a member organization composed of U.S. and international universities, governmental agencies and nonprofit research institutes that has published its list of top 100 U.S. patent-producing universities since 2013. There are more than 4,600 individual members, including Fellows, Senior Members and Chapter Members affiliated with more than 260 institutions worldwide.

Universities on the 2024 Top 100 U.S. list hold more than 6,700 patents. A “utility patent” covers the creation of a new and improved as well as useful product, process or machine.

“In the ever-evolving innovation landscape, it is imperative that the U.S. is remaining competitive and at the forefront of today’s emerging research and technologies,” wrote Paul Sanberg, president of the NAI, in an email to Chitnis. “Ensuring the security of intellectual property through patenting is a crucial component to this and allows those innovations to be effectively moved to market, where they can create valuable societal and economic impact. The Top 100 U.S. list celebrates U.S. universities and their inventive staff and faculty for their dedication in ensuring their innovations and (intellectual property) are protected.”

NAI was founded to recognize and encourage inventors with U.S. patents; enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation; encourage the disclosure of intellectual property; educate and mentor innovative students; and create wider public understanding of how its members’ inventions benefit society.

The 2024 list can be viewed on NAI’s website at https://academyofinventors.org/.