Washington State University reported $19.4 million in royalty revenues for the 2025 fiscal year, a significant increase from the previous year’s figures and consistent with a trend of eight-figure earnings from commercialized innovations over the past four years.

The top revenue contributor was the Cosmic Crisp apple, which alone generated over $8 million. Other notable earners included five wheat varieties and a pharmacy-based vaccine administration manual developed in collaboration with the American Pharmacists Association, which brought in more than $1.7 million in royalties.

Jeremy Tamsen, director of the WSU Office of Commercialization, stated that the university has excelled in its commercialization efforts. WSU has demonstrated strong performance in innovation disclosures, new patent applications, and gross licensing income, even with a smaller licensing staff compared to similar institutions.

Over the past decade, innovations developed at WSU have totaled more than $82 million in royalty earnings. According to university policy, inventors are entitled to 100% of the first $10,000 in royalties generated, and 50% thereafter, with the remaining amounts allocated to support departments and fund further research.