UC tops worldwide ranking of universities for patented inventions

February 12, 2026
Julia Busiek, UC Newsroom

The University of California secured more U.S. utility patents than any other university in the world last year, according to rankings released today by the National Academy of Inventors. The No. 1 ranking highlights UC’s unmatched record for innovation that drives societal progress and bolsters the economy. And it underscores the importance of federal funding and policy in powering America’s scientific and technological leadership on the world stage.

With 571 patents granted in 2025, UC’s patent success last year nearly doubled that of MIT, the next U.S. university on the list. UC has rights to over 6,800 active patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

About the rankings

The National Academy of Inventors is an organization comprising universities, governmental agencies and nonprofit research institutes. NAI was founded to recognize and encourage inventors with U.S. patents, enhance the visibility of academic technology and innovation, encourage the disclosure of intellectual property, educate and mentor innovative students, and to create wider public understanding of how its members’ inventions benefit society.

Released annually since 2013, NAI’s Top 100 Worldwide Universities ranking showcases the important role academic institutions play in America’s innovation ecosystem. These rankings are based on calendar year data provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The University of California has held the No. 1 spot in the Top 100 Worldwide Universities rankings for 11 of the past 12 years. 

UCOP Technology Commercialization Report 2024

National Academy of Inventors 2025-Top-100-Worldwide-List

Association of University Technology Managers 2024-US-AUTM-Infographic