University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Public University
Founded 1789
UNC Chapel Hill is a leading public research university with strong commercialization in biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals, and public health.
$1.6B
R&D (FY2024)
65
US Patents (2025)
191
Disclosures (FY2026)
36
Licenses (FY2026)
$10.9M
License Revenue (FY2026)
$55.9M
Business-Funded R&D
Research and Commercialization Data
Total R&D Expenditures
5-Year Change: 37.9%
Avg: 1375.0
- Research spending (FY2024): $1.6B total, of which $55.9M was funded by business. NSF National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
- US patents granted (2025): 65 (rank #37). National Academy of Inventors
- Tech transfer (FY2026): 191 invention disclosures, 96 patent applications, 36 licenses and options, $10.9M licensing revenue. UNC-Chapel Hill / Innovate Carolina
Research Focus Areas
Biomedical Sciences
Cancer, cardiovascular, and infectious disease
School of MedicineLineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Pharmaceuticals
Drug discovery and formulation
Eshelman School of Pharmacy
Public Health
Global health and epidemiology
Gillings School of Global Public Health
Related Market Maps
Explore market opportunities in deep tech categories relevant to UNC's research focus.
Biotechnology
13.96% CAGRApplication of biological systems and organisms to develop products and technologies
Market Size$1.55T
Neurotechnology
13% CAGRTechnologies interfacing with the nervous system for medical and research applications
Market Size$17.3B
Notable Spinouts
Programs & Resources
Tech Transfer Office
UNC Office of Technology Commercialization (Innovate Carolina)
Services Offered
- •IP management
- •Licensing
- •Startup support
- •Industry partnerships
Interested in Tech Transfer?
Learn how to navigate university licensing and commercialization