Pitt ranked No. 20 for granted patents among US universities in 2024

The University of Pittsburgh has ranked No. 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, Pitt and other top-ranked institutions empower the translation of groundbreaking inventions into market-ready technologies, boosting the economy and providing tangible solutions to societal challenges.

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. Pitt innovators were issued 102 U.S. patents in the calendar year 2024.

Intellectual property protection plays a vital role in innovation commercialization, according to Evan Facher, Pitt’s vice chancellor for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Patents are essential in transforming innovative ideas into impactful products and services,” said Facher, who is also associate dean for commercial translation at the School of Medicine. “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.”

NAI has published the Top 100 Worldwide Universities list each year since 2013, adding the Top 100 U.S. Universities list in 2023 to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape and contributions by U.S. academic institutions.

“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,” said NAI President Paul R. Sanberg. “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.”