UC recognized as top producer of U.S. patented technology
1819 Innovation Hub drives economic growth locally and nationally
The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) recognizes the University of Cincinnati for its significant contributions to innovation and intellectual property protection in American universities:
This accolade is a testament to the University of Cincinnati’s unwavering commitment to innovation by the Technology Transfer Office, or Tech Transfer.
UC Tech Transfer plays a central role in the university’s mission to advance knowledge for humanity. The team, located within the 1819 Innovation Hub, is dedicated to translating groundbreaking faculty research into tangible societal benefits.
Its efforts are instrumental in fostering startups, supporting small—to medium-sized enterprises, and partnering with investors and large corporations, thereby driving economic growth and innovation.
Geoffrey Pinski, UC assistant vice president for technology transfer in the Office of Innovation, states, “Our faculty’s groundbreaking research is the driving force behind our university’s national recognition.
Their relentless pursuit of innovation fuels our technology transfer team’s efforts to translate these innovations into tangible societal and economic benefits through issued patents, reflecting our commitment to fostering innovation at UC.
Securing 26 U.S. utility patents in calendar year 2023 — up seven spots from 2022, Tech Transfer continues its commitment to negotiating licensing agreements that include faculty-driven patents for various technologies such as:
• A prognostic test for early-stage breast lesions to save lives through early proactive therapy regimens
• Advanced textile garment for firefighters to better dissipate heat
• Non-invasive cancer screening device
• A tool to assist children and adults with speech disorders using ultrasound
Paul R. Sanberg, president of the NAI, emphasized the importance of intellectual property in maintaining the U.S.’s competitive edge in the global innovation ecosystem. “Protecting intellectual property is a key component to this, and the Top 100 U.S. Universities list allows us to recognize and celebrate universities and their faculty, staff, and students who are not only innovating at high levels but taking the additional step of protecting their IP through patenting,” Sanberg stated.
The benefits of higher education institutions are often narrowly perceived as primarily educational, which is irrefutably crucial. However, local and national policymakers frequently overlook these institutions’ significant role in economic development.
According to a recent Brookings paper, urban universities like UC serve as powerful economic engines, significantly contributing to the prosperity of their surrounding regions and the country as a whole.
The full Top 100 U.S. Universities rankings can be viewed on the NAI website, for a comprehensive look at the institutions driving the nation’s innovation through robust patent portfolios.
