Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, achieved its highest innovation ranking in years, jumping 16 spots in the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) 2025 Worldwide Universities List. The university now stands at 52nd in the world and 33rd among U.S. institutions for utility patents granted.
The surge is driven by a record-tying output of 69 U.S. utility patents in 2025—the highest single-year total for the university since 2022. This milestone solidifies Rutgers’ position as a mainstay in the global innovation ecosystem, having appeared on the NAI Top 100 list every year since its inception in 2013.
The 69 patents span critical sectors including biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and robotics. Several standout inventions illustrate the university’s focus on “idea to impact”:
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Venibot: A handheld robotic device that uses ultrasound imaging to autonomously and accurately access veins, potentially revolutionizing blood draws and medication delivery.
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Next-Gen Casting: A more reliable and eco-friendly manufacturing method developed by the School of Engineering that reduces costs and environmental impact.
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Precision Gene Editing: An RNA-Aptamer-mediated system designed to edit genetic code at the individual base level, offering new avenues for treating genetic diseases.
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Disease-Fighting Enzymes: Novel methods for treating allergic and infectious diseases using carbonic anhydrase enzyme inhibitors.
Behind these patents is the Rutgers Office for Research (OfR) and its Technology Transfer unit. The office manages the “Innovator Portal,” where faculty submit invention disclosures that are then vetted for market potential and patentability.
“These rankings highlight Rutgers’ continued role as a central hub for research and innovation in New Jersey and the world,” Michael Zwick, PhD, senior vice president for the Office for Research said.
Once a patent is secured, the team works to license the technology to corporate partners or local startups, ensuring that New Jersey-born research reaches the global market.
Collectively, the universities on the 2025 list hold over 9,300 patents, with NAI member institutions representing more than half of that volume. Academic patents are increasingly seen as the “spark” for the national economy, providing the foundational intellectual property for new industries.
“University patents ensure that their nascent technologies find real-world application and generate a real-world impact,” John Squires, under secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO said.
As Rutgers continues its climb, it reinforces New Jersey’s reputation as the “Innovation State,” a legacy built on history but powered by the university’s modern labs in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden.
