Auburn University is a public research university in Auburn, Alabama, whose commercialization path runs through engineering, advanced manufacturing, biomedical systems, and a research park built to move faculty inventions into companies.
The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering closed fiscal year 2024 with $117.7 million in new research awards and contracts, a college record and the largest annual total for any Auburn college. That was more than a 300% increase from $29 million in 2018. Fiscal year 2024 awards included $32.5 million in transportation and resilient infrastructure, $18.3 million in advanced and additive manufacturing, $11.1 million in cybersecurity and intelligent systems, and $6.9 million in biomedical and health systems engineering.
Auburn ranked 80th among U.S. universities granted utility patents in 2024, with 20 patents issued, up from 16 patents and an 87th-place ranking in 2023, according to the National Academy of Inventors.
Commercialization runs through the Intellectual Property Exchange, based in Auburn Research Park. The office protects inventions through patents, copyrights, and licenses, connects faculty with industry, and joins projects earlier than a traditional technology-transfer handoff.
- Auburn Research Park
Uses university intellectual property for technology-based economic development by facilitating technology transfer, industry partnerships, and new ventures. - New Venture Accelerator
About 7,000 square feet inside the 105,000-square-foot Research and Innovation Center, which opened in 2020. Resident experts work with startups on business models, pricing, and investor pitches.
Investors and founders can reach Patrick Reed, executive director of the Intellectual Property Exchange, through the office at Auburn Research Park.
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