The University of Pittsburgh has ranked #20 in the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2024, published by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
This annual ranking highlights U.S. academic institutions that play a pivotal role in driving innovation by safeguarding their intellectual property through patents. By doing so, these institutions empower the translation of groundbreaking inventions into market-ready technologies, boosting the economy and providing tangible solutions to societal challenges.
Evan Facher, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pittsburgh and Associate Dean for Commercial Translation at the Pitt School of Medicine, remarked on the vital role intellectual property protection plays in innovation commercialization: “Patents are essential in transforming innovative ideas into impactful products and services. They facilitate the flow of new technologies into the market, enabling universities to contribute to societal advancement. This is a critical way that progress is possible at Pitt.”
Since its inception in 2013, NAI has published the Top 100 Worldwide Universities list, adding the Top 100 U.S. Universities list in 2023 to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape and the contributions by U.S. academic institutions. The universities featured in the 2024 list collectively hold over 6,700 patents, with NAI Member Institutions comprising 96% of the ranking and holding nearly 6,500 patents.
“In the ever-evolving innovation landscape, it is imperative that the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of today’s emerging research and technologies,” emphasized Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, President of the NAI. “The Top 100 U.S. list celebrates U.S. universities and their inventive staff and faculty for their dedication in ensuring their innovations and IP are protected.”
Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, stressed the importance of global competition in science and technology. “To continue to keep our nation secure, we must invest in accelerating breakthrough technologies, transitioning these technologies to the market, and preparing Americans for better-quality, higher-wage jobs,” he stated. “NSF supports the translation of technologies from academic research to the marketplace through programs like the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) and the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, which focuses on accelerating use-inspired research and its societal impact.
The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides education, mentorship, and funding to help Pitt innovators navigate their commercialization journeys. Whether you’re taking your first step by filing an invention disclosure or need assistance to de-risk your technology for potential external partnering or startup formation, our team is here to support you.
Check out our programs page to learn more about our offerings, or email us at OIEHelp@pitt.edu to connect with our experienced staff.