YES to innovation: UA again named one of top 100 U.S. universities granted utility patents

The University of Akron (UA) has again been named to the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) list of top 100 U.S. universities granted U.S. utility patents in 2025, which was released on Thursday, March 19.
 
The annual ranking recognizes the top-producing U.S. universities awarded utility patents, highlighting the innovation and impactful research taking place across academic institutions nationwide. UA has appeared on NAI’s top 100 list every year since 2022, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to research excellence and innovation leadership.
 
“This recognition from the National Academy of Inventors highlights the exceptional innovation happening at The University of Akron,” said Dr. Suzanne Bausch, vice president for research and business engagement. “It reflects our strong commitment to working with faculty to protect their intellectual property and translating research into technologies that make a difference.”
 
The top 100 U.S. universities list showcases institutions leading the way in patented technologies that contribute to societal and economic advancement. The ranking is derived from calendar‑year data provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
 
“Recognition in the NAI top 100 highlights the extraordinary faculty research and transferring that research into commercialization pathways happening at the University of Akron,” said Kelly Bialek, UA’s director of technology transfer and executive director of the University of Akron Research Foundation. “Our faculty and students continue to demonstrate the powerful impact UA innovation has on the region and beyond.”
 
The University is ranked No. 88 for 16 patents, tied with Utah State University and Virginia Commonwealth University. UA is one of three Ohio public universities included in the list.
 
NAI’s rankings underscore the essential role intellectual property plays in advancing university‑driven discoveries. The Academy emphasizes the importance of celebrating research achievements and increasing public awareness of how strong IP practices support innovators and their institutions. UA is a founding charter member of NAI.
 
Current and past NAI rankings are available on the NAI rankings webpage.