Innovation
Research AUTM recognizes UGA for bringing more research-based products to market than any other U.S. university
The University of Georgia continues to lead in translating innovative research into real-world applications. For nine straight years, UGA has placed in the top two rankings amongst U.S. universities for bringing new research-based products to market, according to the latest AUTM survey. And for 11 years, UGA has remained in the top 5.
This distinction underscores UGA’s commitment to moving research beyond the lab and into society, where it drives meaningful change. From cutting-edge agricultural advances to life-saving medical technologies, UGA’s commitment to turning ideas into impact is what keeps it at the top.
“The innovative research conducted by our faculty, staff, and students leads to significant impacts across multiple industry sectors,” said Derek Eberhart, Associate Vice President for Research and Executive Director of Innovation Gateway, UGA’s research commercialization program. “The No. 1 ranking is a testament to UGA’s commitment to industry collaboration and to applying research to find solutions to real-world challenges.”
Since UGA started tracking commercialization efforts in the 1970s, more than 1,200 products based on university research have reached the market. The university’s partnerships with industry continue to thrive, ranking No. 6 nationally for active licenses with industry and No. 8 for the number of licenses and options executed. For the 17th year in a row, UGA has placed among the top 15 in these key measures of innovation.
But it’s not just about rankings—it’s about transformative change and long-term contributions. UGA research yields tangible benefits, from technology that destroys per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” in water systems to easier-to-grow cultivars of blueberries and turfgrass. In fiscal year 2023, UGA earned $12 million in licensing revenue, marking a nearly $1 million increase from the previous year.
“One of the core tenets of UGA’s mission as a land- and sea-grant university is to conduct impactful research and translate it to products that improve the quality of life around our state and beyond,” said Chris King, UGA’s interim vice president for research. “We continue to be proud of the work our faculty, staff, and students do to achieve success, and of our team in Innovation Gateway to help maximize the impact of their work.”
That mission—and UGA’s success in delivering real-world solutions—ensures the university remains a powerhouse of innovation. The numbers speak for themselves, but the real story is in the lives improved by UGA research every day.
The University of Georgia once again ranks No. 1 among U.S. universities for the number of commercial products to market based on its research, according to an annual survey conducted by AUTM.
For eight straight years, UGA has placed in the top two and has never appeared out of the Top 5 in the 10 years the survey has been reported by AUTM.
UGA industry partners and startups released a record 66 new products developed from the university’s research in fiscal year 2023.
New companies and partnerships bring innovations to market at UGA.
