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.”