Michigan State University has been named one of the top 40 institutions in the Top 100 U.S. Universities ranking by the National Academy of Inventors, which recognizes universities granted the most utility patents each year. MSU rose 13 spots from No. 49 in 2024 to No. 36 in 2025, with 60 utility patents granted — up from 45 the previous year. The institution has ranked in the top 50 since 2023, when the list was introduced.
Globally, MSU rose 20 spots to No. 57 on NAI’s worldwide list. The university has garnered top 100 honors every year since 2013, the first year NAI began publishing the annual report.
“These issued patents reflect the diverse novel research at the university,” said Anne Di Sante, executive director of MSU Technologies. “With patents in areas ranging from autonomous vehicle operating systems to potato varieties to degradable polymers to plasma reactors to cellular therapeutics, the MSU Innovation Center must be nimble to respond to the myriad commercialization opportunities they present. The collaboration across Business-CONNECT, MSU Technologies and the MSU Research Foundation allows each of us to leverage experience of our colleagues to the benefit of MSU, the local ecosystem, the country and the public.”
The 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. The NAI’s rankings lists highlight the vital role patents play in translating university research and innovation, as well as the important role academic institutions play in the innovation ecosystem.
In late 2024, Muhammad Rabnawaz, associate professor in MSU’s School of Packaging, was elected to the 2024 Class of Fellows by the NAI. The NAI Fellowship is the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors. With a portfolio of more than 60 filed and 24 issued patents, Rabnawaz is renowned for his research targeting the plastic and paper-based sectors of packaging and working to make unrecyclable products recyclable.
From a healthier alternative to table salt to a device that revolutionized racecar safety, Spartans have always pushed the limits to create and shape world-changing discoveries. In fact, Spartan innovators have contributed more than 3,300 inventions on record, while alumni have made groundbreaking discoveries of their own, like fiber optic wire, which is the backbone of the modern internet and global communication.
“In the ever-evolving innovation landscape, it is imperative that the U.S. is remaining competitive and at the forefront of today’s emerging research and technologies,” said Paul R. Sanberg, president of the NAI. “Ensuring the security of intellectual property through patenting is a crucial component to this and allows those innovations to be effectively moved to market where they can create valuable societal and economic impact.”
NAI’s top 100 lists are created using calendar year data provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Top 100 placement includes all named assignees listed on the patent.
Learn more about MSU research and innovation.
