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/.
