Charlotte ranks among top U.S. universities for research ROI

UNC Charlotte continues to rank as a top university for return on investment for research expenditures, according to a new national survey. 

According to the AUTM Licensing Activity Survey released in October, Charlotte ranks in the top five nationally per research dollar spent for the number of patents filed and for new startup ventures formed. This is the 10th straight year Charlotte has achieved top rankings in both categories.

“The AUTM survey is used to measure commercialization output for U.S. and international universities, and it clearly shows that UNC Charlotte is punching well above its weight,” said John Daniels, vice chancellor for the Division of Research. “The data reveal how Charlotte is excelling in innovation, filing a larger number of patents and creating startup companies at a higher rate for each dollar spent on research. We are perfectly poised to work with our partners in the Charlotte region and beyond as we establish several bold new tech hub initiatives in AI, cybersecurity, grid technology, optics and metrology.” 

When normalized based on research expenditure, Charlotte ranks: 

• Third for startup companies created
• Fifth for new patents filed 
• 11th for new inventions received 

The survey also found that over the past decade, Charlotte is filing new patents at seven times the rate of peer institutions. From 2013-23, 688 patents were filed by the University. The survey of 159 research universities is based on fiscal year 2023 data.

Daniels noted that expanding Charlotte’s research enterprise is enabling the region to build more innovative companies and better compete against other metropolitan areas to attract new industry, jobs and business relocations as well as other investments.

With a rising research enterprise, Charlotte is on a trajectory toward becoming one of this nation’s preeminent public research universities. Research expenditures at Charlotte have risen 272% during the past decade.