The University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) is the number one school when it comes to the gravity of startup companies launched from raw campus research. In the standings, a total of 225 American universities and research institutions were surveyed.
According to the Milken Institute rankings, UCLA also clinched the 15th place overall in commercializing university technology. Basically, the report showed a jump of 30 spots since 2006, which was also the last time the index was published. For the record, Milken Institute based the results on data provided by the Association of University Technology Managers. Milken is an independent economic think tank based in Santa Monica.
From 2012 to 2015, the university got an average of 96 patented products and 31 licenses in a year. The average licensing revenue during each of those years was $38.5 million. Aside from that, 19 startup companies were formed.
In addition to the products, these companies provided jobs and contributed to the local economy. In fact, a 2013 economic impact study produced by the University itself revealed that the startups generated over 4, 400 jobs that resulted in a $295 million in compensation. Another $108 million in federal, state, and local tax revenue were collected annually. All in all, the school had given $1.1 billion to the LA economy on a yearly basis.
Nevertheless, the university's achievements continue to grow with more and more projects sprouting like mushrooms. In the most recent fiscal year, which ended on June 30, 121 US patents were issued, 114 new inventions were licensed, and 21 startups were launched.
Per Newsroom UCLA, some of the commercialized research projects include the telemedicine microscopy platform. It captures images using the Lensless Ultra-wide-field Cell Monitoring Array based on Shadow imaging or LUCAS. Also, a water filtration and desalination membrane were launched to produce high-purity water. It was later acquired by LG.
Among the other recognized institutions were UC San Diego (20th), UC Davis (41st), and UC Berkeley (53rd). The UC San Francisco (54th), UC Irvine (64th), and UC Santa Barbara (83) also made it on the list. Lastly, the UC Riverside (120th) and the UC Santa Cruz (152nd) were included too.
