The University of Minnesota has been named 34th in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted Utility Patents for 2025, according to the latest report from the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). The University received a total of 91 patents last year, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in research and commercialization. Since the NAI began its annual rankings in 2013, the University has consistently placed in the top 50, showcasing over a decade of sustained excellence in moving academic discoveries into the global marketplace.
Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Joanne Billings emphasizes the critical role these patents play in the innovation ecosystem. “Patents are the bridge that link cutting-edge university research to technological progress across global markets,” said Billings. She noted that the ranking serves as a key indicator of the economic impact generated by the University’s research, both within the state of Minnesota and on an international scale.
The 2025 patent portfolio includes several groundbreaking technologies that address pressing global challenges in a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, Ag Tech, and sustainability. Notable highlights include:
- Methods for using antibodies to treat type 1 diabetes and other serpin B13-related diseases developed by Jan Czyzyk, an associate professor in the Medical School.
- Three different patents for improving and domesticating oilseed crops such as Pennycress and Camelina, developed by the Forever Green Initiative in CFANS and partner organizations. These crops will protect soil and water while driving new economic opportunities for growers, industry and communities across Minnesota.
- A technique to create high-performance magnets without costly and environmentally damaging rare-earth elements. These sustainable magnets are essential for next-generation motors and power generation.