TTUHSC and TTUHSC El Paso Named to National Academy of Inventors Top 100

U.S. Universities Recognized for Innovation in Utility Patents Ranking

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• April 17, 2025
• Research

For the third consecutive year in a row, the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) today (April17) ranked the Texas Tech University System (TTU System) among the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents for 2024. The TTU System, which includes Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and TTUHSC El Paso, ranked 75th. 

The NAI created the Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents list to highlight and celebrate U.S. academic institutions that play a large role in advancing innovation through the critical step of securing their intellectual property through patents. This enables and empowers researchers to translate their inventions, bringing important technologies to the marketplace, bolstering the economy and creating tangible societal solutions. 

In 2024, the TTU System was granted 25 patents. Of the issued patents, TTUHSC and TTUHSC El Paso researchers contributed to seven. 

“Being listed on this ranking once again by the National Academy of Inventors underscores the incredible work happening across the Texas Tech University System—to be recognized multiple years in a row is a testament to the vibrant and supportive research environment we have cultivated on our campuses,” said Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., chancellor of the TTU System. “It showcases the remarkable talent, drive and ground-breaking spirit that exists among our people. Above all, it’s proof that our researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso are committed to pushing boundaries and turning innovative ideas into tangible solutions that impact real lives.” 

Lance R. McMahon, Ph.D., TTUHSC executive vice president for research and innovation, said these latest rankings demonstrate the commitment of both TTU System health sciences centers to translate their discoveries into health care innovations. 

“Our sustained, 3-year rise in the NAI rankings is clear evidence of the global impact of our scientists and supporting staff, including the Office of Research Commercialization team led by Cameron Smith,” McMahon said. 

McMahon credited the increased metrics and Top 100 ranking to the faculty inventors, the support of their department chairs and school deans and the enabling efforts of the TTUHSC Office of Research and Innovation. 
“This is incredibly exciting and highlights the innovation our researchers bring to help enhance the health and care of the lives of the people residing in the Borderplex and beyond,” TTUHSC El Paso Vice President for Research Deborah Clegg, Ph.D., said. 

NAI compiles its calendar-year Top 100 lists using data provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Top 100 placement includes all named assignees listed on the patent. This newest list is meant to provide a more focused view of the national innovation landscape and the contributions made by U.S. academic institutions. 

To view the entire list of NAI’s Top U.S. Universities Granted Utility Patents in 2024, visit the NAI Top 100 webpage. 

The TTU System is one of the top public university systems in the nation, providing exceptional academic offerings and world-class research and innovation. Comprising three academic universities and two health-related institutions, the TTU System includes Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and Midwestern State University. The system is one of only nine in the nation to offer programs in undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental and veterinary education.