UMD Named a Top College for Innovation

The University of Maryland received the 2026 Top Colleges for Innovation Award from Insight Into Academia magazine, the nation’s longest-running publication advancing best practices in higher education.

The award recognizes colleges and universities that embed innovation into their vision, strategy and measurable impact. Through creativity and transformative initiatives, award winners are reimagining teaching, learning, research, facilities and infrastructure, support systems and administrative practices to better serve the evolving needs of students, employees and the changing demands of today’s workforce.

“This recognition reflects the creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, faculty, researchers and partners across the university,” said Dean Chang, chief innovation officer and associate vice president for innovation & entrepreneurship and economic development. “At Maryland, we are committed to building an innovation ecosystem that empowers fearless ideas, drives meaningful impact and prepares the next generation of leaders to solve society’s grand challenges.”

The magazine featured UMD in its 2026 issue and selected the university as an award winner not only for its perennial Top 10 ranking in innovation and entrepreneurship, but also for how broadly UMD has embraced innovation as highlighted by initiatives such as the Capital of Quantum, Arts for All, the Fearlessly Forward strategic plan, Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland, UMD I-Corps and the 64 patents awarded to the university in 2025.

Most recently, UMD hosted Innovate Maryland 2026, an annual celebration of researchers’ accomplishments in translating cutting-edge research into practical, impactful solutions.

For more information on the I&E ecosystem at UMD, visit the Innovation Gateway.