Incheon National University

Incheon National University (INU) climbed to fifth on the 2026 edition of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI 2026), becoming the highest-ranked Korean school.
 
The university rose four spots from its 2025 ranking on the list, which assesses universities’ real contributions to social change and the ripple effects generated. It is co-organized by the Hanseatic League of Universities, the Institute for Policy and Strategy on National Competitiveness, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and the Tailor Institute of Franklin University Switzerland.
 
The Incheon school scored well in major categories, including a fourth-place finish in “University Brand and Reputation,” fifth in “Cost-effectiveness management” and seventh in “Financial Impact-driven Technology Transfer,” a testament to its global competitiveness.
 
INU received positive feedback on its continuous expansion of practical innovation models that involve not only students but also regional communities and industrial entities. The university was also praised for its suggestion of an innovative model to respond to social changes with an AI-based educational innovation and digital transition strategy.
 
With the latest rankings, INU plans to strengthen its innovative and social impact aspects while developing a new platform that integrates the Regional Innovation System and Education.

“This accomplishment is global recognition that particularly represents continuous innovation efforts Incheon National University has made with our students, regional communities and industries,” Lee In-jae, the president of INU, said. “By proactively responding to changes and values in a future society, Incheon National University aims to become a leading university in sustainable innovation.”
 
Minerva University topped the WURI 2026 list, followed by Arizona State University and information technology school 42. INU shared its spot with MIT, eight ahead of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, the second-highest ranking Korean school on the list, while Seoul National University came in 23rd.

LEE, DAHYUN. "Incheon National University leads Korean schools in WURI 2026 ranking on global innovation" Korea JoongAng Daily, 11 May 2026, https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-05-11/business/guestReports/Incheon-National-University-leads-Korean-schools-in-WURI-2026-ranking-on-global-innovation/2588858?detailWord=