University of Minnesota ranked 34th worldwide in patents by the National Academy of Inventors

The University of Minnesota ranked 34th in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted Utility Patents for 2025. Released by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the ranking highlights the incredible technological and economic contributions made by faculty and researchers. The University received a total of 91 patents in 2025 and has been featured in the top 50 every year since the ranking began in 2013, establishing itself as a global pipeline for innovation.

“Patents are the bridge that link cutting-edge university research to technological progress across global markets,” said Joanne Billings, University of Minnesota interim vice president for research and innovation. “The NAI ranking is an indicator of the innovative thinking and economic impact generated by University of Minnesota research both locally and around the world.”

Among the many groundbreaking University of Minnesota patents from 2025, here are a few highlights:

• 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.

“University research has long been and continues to provide the spark of breathtaking innovation and the NAI’s report makes clear they understand the paramount importance of protecting their intellectual property,” said John A. Squires, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). “University patents ensure that their nascent technologies find real-world application and generate a real-world impact,”

“The Top 100 Worldwide list highlights the importance U.S. patents hold in the global innovation ecosystem. Academic institutions from around the globe rely on this protection of their intellectual property to ensure their technologies make it to market,” said Dr. Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, President of the National Academy of Inventors. “Through recognizing and celebrating these institutions who value their patent portfolio, we are highlighting the benefits of patenting for both the innovators and their universities and encouraging them to translate their technologies for larger societal and economic impact.”

The full NAI rankings for 2025 and previous years are available here.