Montpellier University ranks high in regional classification of patent applicants to the INPI

[Press release] - Published on October 9, 2024 in Press Room, Promotion

In early April 2024, the INPI, the public body responsible for registering and issuing industrial property titles, published its traditional regional ranking of the leading patent applicants in 2023. This study sheds light on the leaders in innovation at the national level, with patents being one of the key indicators of knowledge production by companies and public institutions. This year, in Occitanie, the University of Montpellier ranks second in this ranking as a public institution and^seventh overall and regionally, with 27 patents filed in 2023. The ENSCM (Montpellier National School of Chemistry) ranks^fifth among public institutions with 14 patents filed.

A ranking specific to innovation in France

The INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) regional rankings are an annual classification that highlights the most innovative players in France, region by region, based on the number of patents filed. It recognizes companies, research centers, and universities that contribute to technological development and competitiveness in their region. This ranking makes it possible to track the evolution of innovation and stimulate regional momentum in the field of industrial property.

The University of Montpellier has a strong presence in Occitanie

With UM ranked second among public institutions in the region (and^seventh overall), and ENSCM entering the regional rankings in^fifth place, Montpellier confirms its progress and influence in the field of innovation.

These figures are the result of a well-defined innovation strategy and a research-rich environment. Several key factors explain this success, including the proximity of several prestigious research institutes, such as the CNRS, Inserm, and Inrae, which regularly collaborate with UM researchers to develop projects with high innovation potential.

The UM places particular emphasis on academic research and its transfer to the industrial sector. It has put in place tools to encourage researchers, Professors teacher-researchers to file patents, while stimulating innovation within its ecosystem. The creation of its university innovation hub (PUI) in 2021 aims to further strengthen these dynamics by facilitating collaboration between public research and private companies. For example, projects such as Terratis, which combats the tiger mosquito, have emerged thanks to this initiative.

Finally, UM is particularly active in fields such as health and biotechnology, where it has filed several patents for innovative drugs and medical devices. These sectors are strategic and produce tangible results, often monetized through operating licenses. These ongoing efforts, supported by local and international collaborations, make the University of Montpellier a key player in innovation in France.

The University of Montpellier also stands out in various international rankings.

In addition to the INPI ranking, this summer UM consolidated its position in the top 200 of the Shanghai ranking, as well as in the THE Impact Ranking, which measures the commitment and performance of higher education institutions in terms of sustainable development. In its^sixth edition, the UM maintains its first place among French institutions and ranks among the top 101-200 institutions worldwide for its long-standing commitment to sustainable development. This year, it ranks in the top 50 worldwide for two objectives related to the institution's major themes: feeding, caring for, and protecting. The UM stands out on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) "good health and well-being," ranking^30thworldwide and^1st in France. The UM has made significant progress on the SDG "life below water" with a^30thplace worldwide and a new^1stplace nationally, once again demonstrating its excellence in ecology.

The University of Montpellier maintains its status according to the CWTS Leiden Ranking. This ranking, which provides important information on the scientific performance of more than 1,500 leading universities worldwide, is based on scientific publications and their citations. In the 2024 world ranking, the University of Montpellier once again confirms its scientific influence both nationally and internationally, ranking^4th nationally (first university outside Paris) and^203rd worldwide.

According to Reuters' ranking of the most innovative universities, the University of Montpellier is the second most innovative university in France and ranks^17th in Europe.