University of Colorado ranks among Top 20 U.S. universities for granted patents

The University of Colorado has secured the No. 18 position on the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) 2024 Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents list, reinforcing CU’s standing as a national leader in research, innovation and real-world impact.

With 114 patents across its campuses — 71 from CU Boulder, 44 from the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and one from CU Denver, and including 104 recognized by the NAI — CU has solidified its role in advancing technology and fostering industry collaboration.

Using data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the NAI’s annual ranking highlights institutions actively transforming research into patented, real-world innovations.

Bryn Rees, associate vice chancellor for innovation and partnerships at CU Boulder, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing research and commercialization.

“The innovations that result from our university’s research, especially federally funded research, have tremendous potential to transform lives, create new industries and create economic impact,” Rees said. “We're committed to ensuring these inventions are well-resourced so they can mature from the lab to the market.”

At CU Boulder, 53% of the campus’s patents have been licensed commercially, signaling CU’s strength in technology transfer and industry collaboration.

Two standout patents from CU Boulder and CU Anschutz have each laid the foundation for promising new spinout companies. Both startups have exclusively licensed their respective technologies, participated in CU’s startup support programs and attracted private investment to bring their innovations to market:

• PrecisionTerra and CU Boulder professor Jade Morton developed inter-frequency signal aiding for tracking satellite navigation signals (U.S. Patent 12117539). The company won the 2025 New Venture Challenge (Deep Tech category).
• SpyGlass Pharma and CU Anschutz faculty member Malik Kahook developed an ophthalmic implant system for drug delivery (U.S. Patent 11,903,874).

With each patent granted and startup launched, CU reinforces its position as a cornerstone of Colorado’s innovation economy and a leader in national technological leadership. CU’s dedication to turning research into action ensures continued progress for local communities and global industries.

“This is essential not only for economic development in key industries like biotech, aerospace, quantum and sustainability, but also for ensuring the U.S. workforce stays on the cutting edge and continues to produce the industry leaders of tomorrow,” Rees said.