Ohio State earns Top 30 national ranking in innovation index

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Ohio State earns Top 30 national ranking in innovation index

Ranking driven by growth in translational impact and patents

The Ohio State University was ranked 28th among all U.S. institutions in the Cure Innovation Index, a national benchmark measuring strength in translating biomedical research into real-world impact.

The new ranking reflects Ohio State's increasing momentum in innovation, commercialization, and clinical translation, supported in part by a significant rise in patent activity and intellectual property development across the university.

"This recognition affirms the intentional work we have done to move discovery out of the lab and into the world where it can improve lives," said John M. Horack, vice president for research at Ohio State. "Our research community is focused not only on breakthrough science, but on ensuring those discoveries translate into therapies, diagnostics, and technologies that make a meaningful difference."

The Cure Innovation Index evaluates universities on a range of indicators tied to biomedical innovation, including startup creation, industry partnerships, licensing activity, and the development of treatments that reach patients. Ohio State's performance highlights its strength in connecting fundamental research with commercialization pathways.

A key driver of this success has been the university's growing patent portfolio. The increase in patents reflects an expanding culture of innovation among faculty, researchers, and students, as well as strategic investments in infrastructure that supports invention disclosure, protection, and market translation.

According to recent national patent rankings by the National Academy of Inventors, Ohio State has climbed to No. 21 among U.S. universities and No. 30 globally, underscoring a sustained commitment to research that leads to tangible solutions in health care, technology, and beyond.

This dual recognition, top-tier placement in the Cure Innovation Index and strong growth in patent rankings, reinforces Ohio State's position as a national leader in research commercialization and translational science.

This translational strength, as noted by the index, is further reinforced by Ohio State's Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA), a prestigious designation that supports the university's ability to accelerate the movement of scientific discoveries into clinical applications. This award is led out of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

"As we look ahead, our priority remains clear," said Horack. "We will continue to push boundaries, strengthen partnerships, and deliver innovations that improve health and well-being locally and globally."

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