The Texas Tech University System was named on Mar. 19 to the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents List for the fourth consecutive year.
This recognition highlights the system’s continued focus on research and innovation, as well as its increasing role in translating academic discoveries into patented technologies. The NAI list reflects achievements in securing patents, which can help bring new solutions and products to market.
Texas Tech first appeared on the NAI list in 2022 and has since risen to No. 70 for 2025, up three places from the previous year. In total, universities on the current Top 100 list were granted more than 6,700 patents during the calendar year. Of these, Texas Tech University accounted for about 58% of patents held by its system in 2025, with researchers at Texas Tech earning fifteen out of twenty-six total patents; nine went to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), and two to TTUHSC El Paso.
Joseph Heppert, vice president for Research & Innovation at Texas Tech, said: “Our continued improvement in the annual NAI ranking reflects the innovative work of our researchers, who are translating research outcomes into technologies that benefit the public. This achievement is a testament to the passion of our faculty and the dedication of the Research Commercialization team that helps inventors navigate the patent and technology licensure processes.”
Brandon Creighton, chancellor of TTU System, said: “The Texas Tech University System is proving that world-changing innovation is increasingly stemming from West Texas. This recognition by the National Academy of Inventors reflects the unmatched potential of our faculty and researchers, whose talent, determination and ingenuity are advancing discovery across our campuses. From West Texas to the world, they are turning bold ideas into solutions that improve lives and strengthen the future of our state and nation.”
Faculty members from several colleges contributed to this achievement; last month two were also named NAI Senior Members. Since 2012 thirteen current faculty have been named NAI Fellows while nine have been recognized as Senior Members.
Jennifer Souter, senior managing director of Research Commercialization at Texas Tech said: “Our continued rise in the NAI rankings reflects the growing momentum of research and innovation throughout the Texas Tech University System…we are proud to support our inventors by protecting their intellectual property and helping advance new impactful technologies toward real-world application.”
Paul R. Sanberg, president of NAI said: “These universities and their inventive faculty are at forefront driving national innovation…By moving their ideas to market…these institutions ensure U.S….directly shapes future innovation.”
NAI’s Top 100 lists use data provided by United States Patent & Trademark Office including all assignees listed on each patent.
