Purdue University Secures 4th Place Nationally for U.S. Patents Granted in 2023

Purdue University has distinguished itself as a leading innovator by ranking fourth among U.S. universities and fifth globally for the number of U.S. patents granted in 2023. The university was awarded 201 patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office during the calendar year, reflecting its robust research and development efforts.

This achievement places Purdue alongside other top institutions such as the University of California system, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Texas system, and Stanford University. Notably, Purdue is the only Big Ten university to feature in the top ten for patents granted.

Herman Sintim, the Richard B. Wetherill Distinguished Professor in Purdue’s Department of Chemistry, emphasized the university’s collaborative spirit: “We hope that if curious minds come together, then together we might be able to tackle some of the world’s most troubling diseases.” Sintim’s own research focuses on developing treatments for diseases currently lacking effective therapies.

Purdue’s innovation portfolio spans multiple disciplines. For example, Jian Jin developed LeafSpec, a handheld hyperspectral leaf scanner capable of diagnosing plant stresses within seconds. Nien-Hwa Wang has pioneered energy-efficient methods to separate and purify rare earth and battery elements, significantly reducing power and water consumption while minimizing hazardous waste.

These examples illustrate Purdue’s persistent pursuit of real-world solutions that improve lives through innovation and commercialization. The university’s technology transfer and commercialization efforts are coordinated by Purdue Innovates, which manages patent filings, licensing, and startup creation.

Purdue President Mung Chiang highlighted the university’s commitment to discovery and societal impact: “Purdue University faculty continue to pursue discovery across many disciplines at the highest level, reflected in our ranking as the fourth American university in U.S. patents received. As a public land-grant institution, we are proud to support inventors and entrepreneurs in translating research to societal impact.”

Purdue Innovates serves as the gateway for researchers to protect intellectual property and bring technologies to market. Its portfolio includes innovations in agriculture, biotechnology, chemistry, computer technology, engineering, nutrition, green technology, and nanotechnologies.

- “Preparation of Rare Earth Metals and Other Chemicals from Industrial Waste Coal Ash” by Nien-Hwa Wang, College of Engineering

- “Portable Plant Health Analysis System and Method” by Jian Jin, College of Agriculture and College of Engineering

- “Hybrid Expansive Frequency Compression for Enhancing Speech Perception by Individuals with High-Frequency Hearing” by Joshua Alexander, College of Health and Human Sciences

- “Cell-Collagen-Silica Composites and Methods of Making and Using the Same” by Jenna Rickus, College of Engineering, Office of the Provost

- “Inhibitor of Kinase Networks and Uses Thereof” by Herman Sintim, College of Science

Purdue University is recognized as a top public research institution, with over 105,000 students enrolled across various campuses and modalities. The university is committed to affordability, having frozen tuition on its main West Lafayette campus for 13 consecutive years.

For more information on licensing Purdue innovations or engaging with startups based on university technologies, interested parties can contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at otcip@prf.org or Purdue Innovates at purdueinnovates@prf.org.

The patent data referenced is based on U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records for utility patents granted in 2023. While the number of patents reflects research activity, it does not necessarily indicate the commercial value or market success of the technologies. Variations in patent assignment names and institutional structures may affect rankings.

Purdue continues to advance its strategic initiatives, including expanding its urban campus in Indianapolis and launching programs such as the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business and the One Health initiative, further fostering innovation and impact.