Baylor Ranked Among Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2025

Contact: Lori Fogleman, 254-709-5959
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Baylor University is ranked No. 81 among the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2025, a list published by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI). This is the fifth straight year Baylor has been on Top 100 list.

The annual ranking highlights and celebrates U.S. academic institutions that play a significant role in advancing innovation and invention through the critical step of securing their intellectual property through patents. By protecting their intellectual property, these universities can translate their inventions into commercial technologies, creating tangible societal and economic impact.

Baylor is among only seven Texas institutions listed in the report, including the University of Texas System, Texas A&M University, University of Houston System, Rice University, Texas Tech University System and University of North Texas. Baylor also is among 13 Big 12 institutions ranked in the NAI’s Top 100 list: Arizona State, Colorado, Arizona, UCF Research Foundation, Iowa State, Utah, Cincinnati, UH System, Kansas, Texas Tech System, Kansas State and BYU.

“Baylor University continues to be among Top 100 elite research institutions on this list, which is a validation across the University of our efforts to produce research that has an impact well beyond campus,” said Kevin Chambliss, Ph.D., vice provost for research at Baylor and professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “Baylor’s inclusion in these rankings is a testament to the alignment and momentum throughout the University, from faculty, to our Innovation and Economic Development team and Office of General Counsel. Baylor researchers have contributed to patents that have led to the formation of new companies, and I’m excited to see where their efforts lead in the future.”

As a Research 1 university guided by the University’s Baylor in Deeds strategic plan, Baylor faculty are at the forefront of advancing human knowledge, contributing to their disciplines and creating solutions to some of the world’s most meaningful challenges – with Baylor’s distinct voice and Christian mission – through grants, partnerships and collaboration both on and off-campus.

Economy of innovation

Baylor’s research infrastructure is headlined by the University’s Baylor in Deeds strategic plan and by Baylor’s core research facilities, which provide university and industry partners with the focus, funding and facilities needed to conduct groundbreaking research. Through the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, the Office of Innovation and Economic Development manages all - patents generated by Baylor with the goal of positively impacting society and furthering the Baylor mission through the commercialization of technologies. 

This is achieved through the technology transfer process that starts with Baylor inventors – the faculty, students and staff who develop an invention- that  may address a larger societal issue or have commercial potential. Staff with Innovation and Economic Development work with Baylor inventors throughout the technology transfer process to protect, market and commercialize their inventions. By participating in this process, inventors advance the transfer of scientific achievements to broader society and promote a competitive economy of innovation. Inventors also can increase funding for their research and department, create student research opportunities and receive external financial awards by engaging in the technology transfer process through Innovation and Economic Development.

“In partnership with our Office of General Counsel, the Innovation and Economic Development team is proud to be part of advancing the impact of the University by supporting our community of inventors,” said John Crandall, director of research, innovation and economic development. “The Baylor inventors bring the strength of their research and the inspiration of their creativity to solve problems and enable new opportunities that can impact the world.” 

The Top 100 U.S. Universities list was introduced in 2023 to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape and the contributions made by U.S. academic institutions. Collectively, the universities on the 2025 Top 100 U.S. list secured over 6,700 patents during the 2025 calendar year. 

“These universities and their inventive faculty are at the forefront of driving national innovation and competitiveness,” said Dr. Paul R. Sanberg, FNAI, President of the National Academy of Inventors. “By moving their ideas to market and protecting their IP with patents, these institutions are ensuring that the U.S. not only remains competitive on the global stage but directly shapes the future of innovation.”

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.