Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are essential engines of educational, economic, and social mobility in the U.S. They educate 9% of all Black students in higher education and produce nearly 20% of STEM degrees earned by Black graduates. Despite their important role, the contributions of HBCUs to research and innovation remain underfunded and underrecognized. A new report by Elleyse Garrett, Legal Fellow at the Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property (Michelson IP), reveals both the tremendous innovation potential of HBCUs and the systemic challenges obstructing progress.

The State of Innovation at HBCUs

The report, based on survey responses from 66 faculty and staff across 33 HBCUs, provides a first-of-its-kind snapshot of the research and innovation landscape. The findings highlight a deep commitment to innovation, despite facing institutional and structural barriers.

Key Statistics:

• HBCUs have collectively been granted approximately 400 patents to date, compared to 12,700+ from the UC system alone.
• 93.8% of surveyed HBCUs report having a Technology Transfer Office (TTO) or equivalent, but most TTOs at HBCUs have limited staffing (0–10 employees).
• 55.4% of professors say their teaching load prevents them from engaging in research that could lead to innovation.
• Top barriers to IP development include lack of funding (53.8%), legal expertise (52.3%), and training (47.7%).
• Government grants are the most relied-upon funding source, with limited access to sustainable philanthropic and corporate partnerships.
• Morgan State University emerged as a case study in successful growth, increasing its research funding from $33M in 2018 to $88.5M in 2024 and securing 13 patents in 2023.

While these numbers reveal the uphill climb, they also point to tangible areas where increased support can drive progress.

Building on a Strong Foundation

Despite limited resources, HBCUs have a strong IP foundation. Most respondents reported having institutional policies in place for IP ownership and trademarks. In fact, 95.4% confirmed their school has IP policies, and 93.8% said IP-related workshops or training are available.

Still, the scale of support needs to be bolstered. Faculty report a strong interest in innovation, but many feel overextended by heavy teaching loads and limited administrative or legal support. Only 55.4% said their institution has comprehensive IP development policies, and mentorship opportunities, while present, often fall short.

Faculty aren’t alone in feeling this strain. Staff cited a lack of dedicated tech transfer personnel and limited collaboration infrastructure. Both groups agree: Targeted investment is essential to unlock HBCU innovation.

Innovation Output: The Gap Between Ambition and Results

Even with strong institutional commitment, patent output remains modest among HBCUs. As examples,  Howard University filed only five patents across 2023 and early 2024, Spelman College and Hampton University showed similarly low activity, while the University of California, Santa Cruz—a comparable but better-funded R1 institution—filed 26 patents in 2023 alone. This gap illustrates the critical role that funding, staffing, and legal support play in translating research into protected intellectual property.

A Model for Growth: Morgan State University

The report also features Morgan State University as a case study in intentional innovation growth. Between 2018 and 2024, Morgan State tripled its research funding from $33 million to $88.5 million. In 2023 alone, the university secured 13 patents, which is evidence that strategic support and investment deliver results.

What Comes Next: Invest and Empower

The findings are clear. HBCUs have the vision, talent, and determination to lead in innovation. What they need now is support. Together, we can:

• Reduce faculty workload to allow time for research and IP development.
• Invest in TTO staff, legal expertise, and infrastructure.
• Expand training and mentorship opportunities.
• Develop sustainable funding models beyond government grants.

Learn How to Further IP Knowledge on HBCUs

If you’re an educator currently teaching at a two-year or four-year HBCU in the US who wants to further IP on campus,  you’re invited to apply for the HBCU Futures Collaborative. Cohort members will receive $500 per course, up to three courses, to integrate IP into their classroom. They’ll also receive many resources and support too along the way. Learn more and apply by September 16, 2025.

Download the Full Report

Ready to explore the full findings? Download the full report, authored by Elleyse Garrett:

 Download the Report

Together, we can help ensure HBCUs play a central role in shaping the future of innovation.

About Michelson IP

The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property, an initiative of the Michelson 20MM Foundation, provides access to empowering IP education for budding inventors and entrepreneurs. Michelson 20MM was founded thanks to the generous support of renowned spinal surgeon Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson. To learn more, visit 20mm.org.