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Impact

NC State is creating real-world impact through innovative ideas and action. Our faculty, students and staff are at the forefront of progress, and the Office of Research Commercialization helps accelerate those ideas to the market. See how we are making a difference locally, nationally and globally.

Startups Making a Difference

Creating impact is what we do. Our faculty and students are at the cutting edge of technological advancements, and we help to get their ideas and innovations into the market place. However, that is only the end result. The true spark of discovery is how these innovators unlock innovation from the very beginning. We tell their stories at all stages of their journey to show the true impact of what we can accomplish together.

By the Numbers

  • 190+ startups and spinoffs based on NC State research, attracting a total of $1.7 billion in venture capital.
  • #4 nationwide for startups launched among universities without a medical school; #1 nationwide in active licenses and options.
  • 1,500+ patents issued in the U.S. and nearly 2,000 patents issued worldwide, yielding 600+ consumer products.
  • The Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN) matches NC State alumni investors with promising university-affiliated startups to facilitate mentoring, support and angel investments for entrepreneurial businesses. WIN currently has 140 members, and WIN members have invested more than $13 million in 23 NC State affiliated startups.
  • The George W. Bush Institute study on The Innovation Impact of U.S. Universities listed NC State as one of the top 20 universities for innovation impact.
  • The Milken Institute, an economic think tank, cited the collaboration and innovation fostered by NC State — and particularly by Centennial Campus — as key reasons why Raleigh is the one of the top 10 best-performing large cities in the United States.
  • NC State and its students, alumni and associated startups generate $6.5 billion of North Carolina income annually.

Five Year Metrics

FY18FY19FY20FY21FY22
Disclosures
Inventions210226212186163
Software1829172115
Plant Variety2527353824
Copyright19810212
Trademark01020
Tangible Research Material34211
Total276295276269205
Patent Activity
Total New Patents Filed264292275258260
US Patents Issued4641635354
Foreign Patents Issued2834334250
Total Patents Issued72759695104
Commercialization Agreements
Patent License3942343225
Software License666617
Plant License4949397455
Copyright License14151
Tangible Research Material License30101
Options4353638291
Total145155145201193
Miscellaneous Agreements
MTA258245202222254
CDA362354384429400
Other272293192190228
Total892892778841882
Revenue
Royalties ($ millions)$5.30$5.6$4.5$6$6.8
New Venture Development
Startup Companies2021172018