UC among national top 100 universities for patents
Cincinnati jumped 19 spots among U.S. universities
The University of Cincinnati has risen 19 places to No. 61 in the 2025 top 100 U.S. universities for patents ranking published by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), underscoring the university’s growing success in turning research discoveries into real-world technologies.
This recognition underscores how UC is creating new jobs, attracting investment and driving economic growth throughout Ohio. Increased patent activity often leads to startup creation, licensing deals and industry partnerships. For Cincinnati’s economy, these outcomes fuel job creation, attract investment and support regional growth.
NAI’s annual ranking celebrates U.S. academic institutions that play a major role in advancing innovation by securing intellectual property through patents. The list is based on calendar-year patent data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and provides a focused view of how universities contribute to the national innovation ecosystem.
Turning discoveries into real-world impact
Photo: Olivier Le Moal
UC’s rise in the rankings reflects a key milestone: More university inventions are being developed, protected and positioned to reach the marketplace. The responsibility to protect the ideas, discoveries and technologies of individuals falls on UC’s Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization. The team secures patents and other legal protections for inventions created by UC faculty and staff.
“Patents represent a critical step in moving research beyond the lab,” says Geoffrey Pinski, assistant vice president for technology transfer at the UC Office of Innovation. “Investment in the intellectual property of the institution is an investment in its researchers and innovators and creates opportunities to translate discoveries into new products and services that create tangible societal and economic impact.”
Pinski explains that climbing in this ranking is no easy feat. Especially 19 spots.
In 2024, UC had 20 patented discoveries. After a year of pushing the boundaries, the total number of patents had increased to 34.
A growing culture of innovation
UC researchers continue to advance new technologies across engineering, health sciences, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing. The Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization supports these efforts by protecting discoveries and startups and connecting innovations with industry partners and investors.
For UC, the improved ranking strengthens its ability to attract top researchers, students, industry collaborators and research funding – all of which help expand the university’s impact.
It also shows the growing strength of UC’s innovation pipeline. “Our researchers are making discoveries,” Pinski says, “and we’re turning those discoveries into solutions that improve lives and strengthen the economy.”
To learn more about how UC can leverage its expertise and capabilities to help with your technical or scientific challenges, contact us at innovation.uc.edu
Featured image at top: UC research generated 34 patents in 2025. Photo/AdobeStock
Innovation Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
1819 tech leaders break down top AI tools for business
March 5, 2025
Innovation experts at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub explained which AI tools they find most helpful for increasing team efficiency and fast-tracking innovation.
Cincinnati teams blast off to global stage in NASA Space Apps Challenge
November 18, 2025
The world’s largest hackathon, the NASA Space Apps Challenge, brought talented students and tech developers to the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub in October.
UC-backed startups receive funding from $1.4 million state grant
February 11, 2025
Two startups based on UC technology and supported by the UC Tech Transfer team and the 1819 Venture Lab were awarded $200,000 each from Ohio’s Technology Validation and Startup Fund.