UTA
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The University of Texas at Arlington played a key role in propelling the University of Texas System to No. 3 in the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) 2024 ranking of U.S. universities awarded utility patents.
UTA secured 23 patents last year—marking a 15% increase from 2023—contributing significantly to the UT System’s overall performance. The ranking recognizes the total number of utility patents granted to U.S. universities, based on data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“We proudly acknowledge the vital contributions that our talented faculty, students and staff have made in transforming groundbreaking university research into everyday innovations,” said Kate C. Miller, UTA vice president for research and innovation, in a statement. “They shape the cars we drive, the infrastructure we rely on, the smartphones that connect us and the medical innovations that keep us healthy.”
The UT System, which comprises 14 institutions and is ranked as a single entity by the NAI, trailed only the University of California system and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Texas A&M System ranked No. 35. The Texas Tech System came in at 73.
“Historically, university pioneers have been the driving force behind nearly every groundbreaking technological innovation and industry transformation, setting the stage for commercial success,” Miller said. “At UTA, we work hard to create a culture where visionaries, innovators and leaders can propel progress across all sectors."
The NAI also published its Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents List, where the UT System earned the No. 6 spot.
“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 NAI President Paul R. Sanberg. “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 NAI began publishing its Top 100 Worldwide list in 2013 and added the Top 100 U.S. list in 2023 to offer a more focused view of domestic innovation efforts. The 2024 U.S. list includes more than 6,700 patents held collectively by the ranked institutions.
“Global competition in science and technology is intense,” said U.S. National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “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.”