Stock image of a stamp that says 'patented' next to a pencil

UC Tech Transfer recognized in Top 100 for US patents

1819 Innovation Hub drives economic growth locally and nationally

By Diana M Lara Email Diana M

3 minute read June 18, 2024

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) recognized the University of Cincinnati for its significant contributions to innovation and intellectual property protection in American universities.

This accolade is a testament to UC's unwavering commitment to innovation by the Technology Transfer Office, or Tech Transfer.

Tech Transfer plays a central role in the university’s mission to advance knowledge for the benefit of humanity. The team is located within the 1819 Innovation Hub and 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.

Our faculty's groundbreaking research is the driving force behind our university's national recognition.

Geoffrey Pinski UC assistant vice president for technology transfer

Geoffrey Pinski, right, UC assistant vice president for technology transfer. Photo/Greg Glevicky

Geoffrey Pinski, UC assistant vice president for technology transfer, said, “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 and reflects our commitment to fostering innovation at UC."

Securing 26 United States 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 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 said.

The benefits of higher education institutions are often narrowly perceived as primarily educational, which is undeniably 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.

Featured image at top: Rubber stamp with the text "patented." Photo/Olivier Le Moal via iStock

Innovation Lives Here

The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.

As an entrepreneur, connections with other business leaders can be just as valuable as the ideas and products that are brought to market. You can open doors to exciting opportunities, gain valuable insights and establish a robust support system through meaningful connections. Here’s why networking is essential and how you can leverage it to your advantage.

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