The University of Montpellier ranks highly in the INPI’s regional ranking of patent applicants

[Press Release] - Published on October 9, 2024 in Press Room, Highlights

In early April 2024, the INPI, the public agency responsible for registering and issuing industrial property rights, published its annual regional ranking of the top patent filers in 2023. This study sheds light on the leaders in innovation at the national level, as patents are 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, having filed 27 patents in 2023. The ENSCM (Montpellier National School of Chemistry), for its part, ranks a strong^5th 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 list that highlights the most innovative entities 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 the competitiveness of 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 ranking second among public institutions in the region on this list (and^seventh overall), and with ENSCM entering the rankings at^fifth place in the region, Montpellier is confirming its progress and growing 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 account for this success, notably 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 innovative potential.

UM places particular emphasis on academic research and its transfer to the industrial sector. It has implemented tools to encourage researchers, Professors faculty members to file patents, while fostering 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, the University of Montpellier 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 yield tangible results, which are often monetized through licensing agreements. 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 ranks highly in various international rankings

In addition to the INPI ranking, this summer UM solidified its position in the top 200 of the Shanghai Ranking, as well as in the THE Impact Ranking, which measures higher education institutions’ commitment to and performance in sustainable development. In its^6th edition, UM maintains its top spot among French institutions and ranks in the overall list among the world’s 101–200 best institutions thanks to its longstanding commitment to sustainable development. This year, it ranks in the global top 50 for two goals aligned with the institution’s core themes: nourish, care, and protect. UM stands out in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) “Good Health and Well-being,” ranking^30thglobally and^1st in France. UM has made significant progress on the SDG “Life Below Water,” ranking^30thglobally and taking^firstplace nationally once again, demonstrating its excellence in the field of ecology.

The University of Montpellier maintains its standing in the CWTS Leiden Ranking. This ranking, which provides key insights into the scientific performance of more than 1,500 leading universities worldwide, is based on scientific publications and their citations. In the 2024 global ranking, the University of Montpellier once again confirms its scientific influence both nationally and internationally, ranking^4th nationally (the top university outside Paris) and^203rd globally.

According to the Reuters ranking of the most innovative universities, the University of Montpellier ranks second among French universities and^17th in Europe.