NC State Ranks Globally and Nationally for Patents Granted

North Carolina State University earned a notable position on the global stage in 2023, securing the No. 60 spot in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted Utility Patents, according to the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a nonprofit member organization dedicated to the recognition of prolific academic innovations and inventors within the United States. NC State’s 53 issued patents was an increase from the 48 in the previous year when the University ranked No. 71. 

The Top 100 Worldwide Universities list, published annually by the NAI, serves to celebrate institutions that demonstrate a robust dedication to invention and intellectual property protection, while highlighting the pivotal role patents play in translating academic research into tangible advancements that can benefit society. NAI was founded to elevate the visibility of academic technology and encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, and the organization plays a crucial role in mentoring students and advancing public understanding of how academic innovations benefit society

For NC State, this ranking underscores the university’s significant increase in research commercialization activities in recent years, and is a testament to its ongoing commitment to fostering an innovative culture among faculty and students and growing a stronger commercialization infrastructure on campus to support academic inventors. 

In addition to its global recognition, NC State was also ranked No. 40 on the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2023, an accolade that highlights the university’s significant impact within the national innovation landscape. Being featured on this list for the eighth year, NC State continues to exemplify its role as a national leader in advancing technological and scientific innovation through technology transfer. 

NC State also received national recognition through its role as host of the NAI 2024 Annual Conference in June 2024. An annual event that brings together renowned academic innovators, government officials, and academic and research institute leaders who drive initiatives at the forefront of research commercialization, the conference featured over 400 attendees from across the globe who contribute to the innovation ecosystem. 

These achievements reflect NC State’s strategic emphasis on research and development, which fuels its position as a prominent player in both the global and national innovation arenas. As Wolfpack researchers continue to push the boundaries of innovation, it remains a significant contributor to the technological advancements that shape our world.