Montgomery County, VA – Virginia Tech recently reported that they have earned the No. 73 spot on the National Academy of Inventors’ 2024 Top 100 Worldwide Universities List. The university was also ranked No. 45 on the U.S. list. These rankings are based on the number of U.S. utility patents granted and are a testament to Virginia Tech’s growing influence in the world of academic innovation. In 2024, the university increased from 32 patents issued to 50, demonstrating its upward trajectory in research and development.
This spirit of innovation extends well beyond the Virginia Tech campus, making Virginia’s New River Valley (NRV) a natural fit for research-driven growth. Home to not only Virginia Tech but also institutions like the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM), New River Community College, and Radford University, the NRV offers robust research opportunities across disciplines – from engineering and advanced manufacturing to medicine and cybersecurity. With a collaborative ecosystem and access to state-of-the-art facilities, the region supports researchers, startups, and industry partners alike in turning bold ideas into meaningful advancements. Explore how research and innovation are shaping the future in Virginia’s New River Valley here.
Read Virginia Tech’s article here.
Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
