A national group that reviews how schools' newest patents affect technology has recognized The University of Central Florida among the country's top 10 research universities.  UCF was ranked at number eight in the study, which is compiled mostly for use by investors and the high-tech industry and appeared in an edition of the trade journal Intellectual Property Today.  

The study measures the impact of the inventions and ideas created based on how often they have been cited in subsequent patents.  The following businesses have formed around technology created at UCF:

Raydiance, an Orlando company selling lasers to remove tattoo ink from skin with no surgery required.

Petra Solar Inc., makes inexpensive, easily installed solar panels with ACDC power conversion patents from UCF.

RINI Technologies, located in Oviedo, makes small, high-efficiency cooling devices for lasers and emergency workers wearing heavy suits.