{"id":123110,"date":"2025-06-18T02:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/?p=123110"},"modified":"2025-06-19T08:29:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T13:29:55","slug":"nu-remains-among-worlds-best-for-earning-patents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2025\/06\/18\/nu-remains-among-worlds-best-for-earning-patents\/","title":{"rendered":"NU remains among world’s best for earning patents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Strengthening its role as a driver of research, innovation and economic growth, the University of Nebraska remains one of the world\u2019s top institutions for earning patents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the latest report from the National Academy of Inventors, the NU system climbed six spots to No. 49 nationally and remained among the top 100 globally after securing 47 U.S. utility patents in 2024. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the combined research efforts of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, UNMC and University of Nebraska at Omaha have earned the global distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt the University of Nebraska, innovation is part of our DNA,\u201d said NU President Jeffrey P. Gold, MD. \u201cOur ability to move ideas from the lab to the marketplace is a clear measure of our impact, and this recognition reflects our sustained dedication to advancing science and ultimately improving lives. I\u2019m grateful to our faculty, students and staff whose creativity and collaboration continue to drive discovery, economic growth and progress for our state and the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utility patents, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, are awarded to the university\u2019s technology transfer offices \u2014 NUtech Ventures at UNL and UNeMed Corp. at UNMC and UNO. These patents protect new and useful inventions or discoveries, specifically covering how an invention works, what it does and how it is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patents earned across the NU system are delivering real-world innovation in key areas including health care, agriculture, engineering and biotechnology. They help launch start-up companies, create jobs and generate university-licensed products that grow the Nebraska economy and improve quality of life worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis ranking demonstrates that our faculty and research teams are among the best in the world at turning big ideas into solutions that address some of the most complex global challenges,” said Rodney D. Bennett, EdD, chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. \u201cEvery patent tells a story of innovation, and it is inspiring to see our research making a difference in Nebraska and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ongoing collaboration between UNL and UNMC researchers remains a key driver of Nebraska\u2019s strong patent ranking. Of the 47 patents earned across the NU system in 2024, seven were awarded to Virtual Incision \u2014 the faculty-led startup behind the MIRA surgical robot. UNMC and UNL partnered to begin Virtual Incision. UNL Professor Shane Farritor, PhD., is a co-founder of the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Incision recently gained FDA approval for its surgical robotics platform, which is now available for use on the open market. Another 29 patents were awarded to projects led by UNL researchers. Highlights include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n