The University of Nebraska ranked 20th among U.S. universities in revenue generated from licensing activity for university developed inventions and technologies in 2011, according to the annual survey of 157 universities by the Association of University Technology Managers.

University of Nebraska licensing revenue grew to more than $16.7 million in 2011, up from about $3.7 million in 2010. Figures are for the entire University of Nebraska system, including UNL (NUtech Ventures) and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNeMed).

NU had the second highest year-over-year growth of any U.S. university from 2010 to 2011; the University of South Carolina led in year-to-year growth. Northwestern University topped the entire list, bringing in more than $191 million in licensing revenue.

A major factor in NU’s growth was an industry-academia partnership established in late 2010 between Bayer CropScience and UNL wheat researchers, said David Conrad, NUtech Ventures’ executive director.

NUtech’s “relationship-based model for technology commercialization” is showing signs of success, said Conrad. “By building trust and respect among companies and faculty, you greatly increase the likelihood of successful partnerships.

“It’s goes well beyond a one-off license transaction. We try to focus on the University’s mission while satisfying the needs of industry,” Conrad said. “The relationship with Bayer CropScience is a prime example.”

Under the agreement, Bayer CropScience supports UNL research and education programs and an endowed professorship. The company established its first North American wheat breeding station near Lincoln, Neb., and has nonexclusive access to UNL wheat germplasm.

Survey details were featured in an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education.