The University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF) has ranked No. 71 on the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2024, a list published by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). Released annually, the Top 100 U.S. Universities ranking highlights and celebrates U.S. academic institutions that play a vital role in advancing innovation by securing intellectual property through patents. This protection enables and empowers universities to translate their inventions into real-world applications–bringing important technologies to the marketplace, bolstering the economy and delivering tangible societal solutions.
“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,” said Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, President of the NAI. “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 IP are protected.”
Since 2013, NAI has published the Top 100 Worldwide Universities list, with the Top 100 U.S. Universities list being introduced in 2023 to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape and the contributions made by U.S. academic institutions. Collectively, the universities on the 2024 U.S. list hold over 6,700 patents. NAI member institutions make up 96% of the ranking and account for nearly 6,500 patents.
“Global competition in science and technology is intense. 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,” said U.S. National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “NSF supports the translation of technologies from academic research to the marketplace through programs like the NSF Innovation Corps and the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, which focuses on accelerating use-inspired research and its societal impact. The impacts of these investments are being felt in key technology areas nationwide.”
The Top 100 U.S. Universities list is one of three annual rankings published by the National Academy of Inventors. These rankings, based on calendar-year data provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, aim to provide a comprehensive view of intellectual property protection in the innovation ecosystem. The Top 100 Worldwide Universities ranking was published in March, and the Top 60 Non-Profit Research Institutions and Government Agencies rankings will be released this spring ahead of NAI’s 14th Annual Conference, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Professors Sergei Kalinin and Chuck Melcher will be formally inducted as NAI fellows at this annual meeting. See the Top 100 U.S. Universities list here.
In 2024, UTRF innovators were awarded 28 U.S. utility patents, reflecting the organization’s commitment to advancing translational research and innovation across the University of Tennessee System. These patents span a wide range of fields, showcasing the university’s diverse research strength.
“Every patent represents an idea brought to life—with the potential to change lives, drive economic growth and serve our communities,” said University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd. “As we continue building the greatest decade in UT history, this recognition underscores our commitment to turning research into real-world impact.”