Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Accelerate business innovation and growth through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Accelerate business innovation and growth through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Part-funded by Innovate UK. One to three years.
At a glance
Who it's for
Private sector businesses that want to grow through innovation and tackle a strategic challenge requiring specialist expertise.
Cost
Part-funded by Innovate UK. SMEs are eligible for up to 67% grant funding, while larger organisations receive up to 50% grant support
Timescales
A project takes 9 to 12 months from the initial conversation to the Associate's start date. This includes several months to develop a strong application, three months for Innovate UK assessment and notification, and four to six months to recruit and appoint the best KTP Associate.
Best suited to
Private sector businesses that want to develop an innovative idea (whether products, services, or process innovation), build technical or commercial strength, and build in-house capability
What's involved
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) connects your business with specialist academic expertise and places a highly qualified graduate (the KTP Associate) within your organisation on a full-time basis.
The Associate leads a focused innovation project aligned to your growth plans, supported by academic insight, dedicated project resources and grant funding.
This combination helps you develop new products, improve services and processes, and reduce project risk.
What a KTP delivers:
- Faster progress on new products, services or technologies
- Access to skills and insight your organisation does not currently have
- A structured approach to tackling a critical business challenge
- Reduced project risk through government-backed funding
- New capability that remains within your organisation
What the funding covers
The Associate
Salary, cost of employment and training.
Academic expertise
Specialist academic expertise and supervision from us.
Essential costs
Essential project costs, such as travel and consumables.
Facilities
Access to specialist facilities and equipment to support your project.
Project support
Project management, finance monitoring, reporting, administrative and HR support.
How it works
1. Start a conversation
A confidential, no-obligation discussion to explore your goals and assess whether a KTP could be right for your business. You do not need a fully formed project to get started. Many businesses start with a challenge or ambition, and together we shape it into a clear, well-defined project suitable for KTP funding.
2. Shape the proposal together
We work with you to shape your idea into a clear, well-defined project suitable for KTP funding and jointly develop the proposal. Funding applications are competitive but well supported, and we guide you through the full application process.
3. Recruit the KTP Associate
We lead and coordinate the recruitment process, working closely with you to develop the role and select the right KTP Associate. Together, we recruit a highly capable person who will work full-time within your organisation to deliver the project.
4. Deliver the project
The full-time KTP Associate leads day-to-day delivery, supported by the academic team and our KTP Team. Your input is strategic rather than operational, typically involving brief weekly guidance and decisions.
5. Review progress every four months
Progress is reviewed every four months through a Local Management Committee (LMC) meeting, with oversight from an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Advisor. This progress is well supported by the KTP Team.
Case study
50 Case Studies | Knowledge Transfer Partnership
Discover how Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are helping businesses work with the University of Portsmouth to turn academic expertise and research into innovative commercial solutions.
Simon Hedaux, Co-Founder, ReThink Productivity Consulting Limited
The University of Portsmouth, through our KTP, has been instrumental in supporting ReThink Productivity's journey. Their academic expertise has directly shaped our approach, providing the academic rigor and innovative perspectives essential for us to shape and deliver the KTP. This collaborative synergy has not only empowered ReThink to implement cutting-edge solutions but has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement, significantly boosting our competitive edge and market impact.
Before you enquire
FAQs
You do not need a fully formed project to get started. Many businesses start with a challenge, opportunity or area for development. We will work with you to shape it into a clear, well-defined project suitable for KTP funding.
Funding applications are competitive but well supported. We guide you through the full application process and jointly develop the proposal.
A KTP is designed to be light on your time. The full-time KTP Associate leads day-to-day delivery, while your role is strategic rather than operational, typically involving brief weekly guidance and decisions.
Start a conversation
We offer confidential, no-obligation discussions to explore your goals and assess whether a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) could be right for your business.
