Tampa, FL – February 12, 2026
The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) has released the 2025 Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents List. Released annually since 2013, the Top 100 Worldwide Universities ranking showcases the crucial role patents play in moving university innovation from bench to market, as well as the important role academic institutions play in the innovation ecosystem at large. Through translating their technologies, these institutions are shaping critical societal progress and bolstering the national and global economy.
“The Top 100 Worldwide list highlights the importance U.S. patents hold in the global innovation ecosystem. Academic institutions from around the globe rely on this protection of their intellectual property to ensure their technologies make it to market,” said Dr. Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, President of the National Academy of Inventors. “Through recognizing and celebrating these institutions who value their patent portfolio, we are highlighting the benefits of patenting for both the innovators and their universities and encouraging them to translate their technologies for larger societal and economic impact.”
Collectively, the universities on the 2025 Top 100 Worldwide list hold over 9,300 patents with NAI Member Institutions comprising 56% of the ranking, holding over 5,600 patents. Through obtaining U.S. patents, these institutions have the ability to translate their technologies in the competitive global market and make tangible impacts in the daily lives of consumers.
“University research has long been and continues to provide the spark of breathtaking innovation and the NAI’s report makes clear they understand the paramount importance of protecting their intellectual property. University patents ensure that their nascent technologies find real-world application and generate a real-world impact,” said John A. Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The Top 100 Worldwide Universities List is one of three annual rankings which are published by the National Academy of Inventors. These rankings are based on calendar year data provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and aim to provide a comprehensive view of intellectual property protection in the innovation ecosystem. The Top 100 U.S. Universities and Top 60 Non-Profit Research Institutions and Government Agencies rankings will be released this spring leading up to NAI’s 15th Annual Conference held in Los Angeles, California.
See the full Top 100 Worldwide List here.
About the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2025
The information provided in this list is based on data obtained from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. For this report, a university is defined as an institution that has undergraduate degrees. Patents include only utility patents granted during the 2025 calendar year. All assignees are credited for patents when listed. The number of patents granted does not necessarily indicate the value of a university’s technology, the effectiveness of its research, or whether its patents will be successfully licensed and/or brought to market. Some universities may record patents under different, yet similar names or combine their patents under one foundation or trustee name. If you have questions please contact: [email protected]