Program Overview

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) is a UK-wide programme that enables companies to access knowledge, skills, and technology from UK universities.

How KTPs Work

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership is a three-way collaboration between a company, a UK university, and a graduate, designed to realise a transformative business opportunity. For over 40 years, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships have been helping companies to innovate for growth by accessing the UK's world-leading knowledge base.

Benefits of KTPs

KTPs can benefit businesses of any size and in any sector looking to address a core strategic challenge. The programme aims to stimulate innovation, providing industry-based training and development of talented university graduates, including post-graduates. Around 70% of associates are offered a post with the company on a permanent basis, following project completion. Companies are eligible for a grant of up to 67% as an SME or up to 50% for a larger organisation.

What KTPs Involve

KTPs involve a graduate, or 'Associate', working on a strategic project based at the company, varying in length from 2 to 3 years. An academic supervisor at the university, with relevant expertise to the programme, maintains close involvement with the graduate and organisation throughout.

How KTPs Can Help Your Business

KTPs can help your business with:

• Embedding expertise, generating new knowledge, expanding capability, and fostering a culture of innovation
• Driving competitive advantage through accelerated innovation
• Creating Intellectual Property
• Gaining privileged and cost-effective access to the UK's world-class knowledge base and resources
• Increasing revenue through access to new markets and new product development
• Improving profits through efficiency gains, increased productivity, and better processes
• Benefiting from a highly experienced Knowledge Transfer Adviser and access to the Knowledge Transfer Network throughout the project

The Cost of a KTP

The cost of a KTP project is shared by the company and Innovate UK (or other government co-funders), who contribute 50-67% of the project cost via a grant to the academic institution. The company makes a contribution for the remaining project costs, with a small-to-medium company contributing 33% and a large business 50% per annum.

Application Criteria

If you are a company or not-for-profit organisation and wish to apply, you should:

• Be UK-based and of sufficient size to support the project
• Have the financial capacity to make the required contribution to the cost of running a KTP
• Be aware that KTPs can have a long-term legacy, measurable over five years as well as shorter-term impact
• Be able to show that your project demonstrates impact, innovation, challenge, and cohesiveness

Research Areas

KTPs can cover any important area where there is a need for additional expertise and resources, enabling dynamic organisations to improve their competitiveness, productivity, and performance. Recent KTP projects have included:

• Sustainable relocation packages
• Retrofitting turboprop aircraft with zero-emission engines
• Marine networking technology
• Specialist engineering design consultancy
• Pharma supplier partnerships
• AI analysis of driver behaviour
• Management KTPs for improved management practice and business performance
• Software development for knee replacement surgeries
• Healthcare technology partnerships
• Oil and Gas Measurement Ltd partnerships
• IoMosaic partnerships
• Niftylift partnerships