Knowledge Transfer Partnership

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) help businesses to innovate, develop, grow and become more productive by employing academic expertise that they do not have in-house. KTPs are partnerships open to UK-based businesses of any size working with universities, colleges, research and technology organisations including Catapults. The project can focus on any type of innovation in any sector but must aim to deliver results that the business would not otherwise be able to deliver. Partnerships are part-funded by a grant, with businesses contributing to project costs including the salary of a graduate associate and a supervisor. The associate is employed by the academic partner but works in the business, bringing new skills and thinking to deliver a specific innovation project lasting between 12 and 36 months. Project costs vary greatly, but typically a small or medium-sized business might expect to contribute £35,000 a year and a large company in excess of £50,000. Applications are assessed by an independent group on their potential to create economic growth or societal impact. Partnerships should demonstrate a need for knowledge transfer and benefit to all partners, be an innovative project with a clear business case, provide a challenge for the associate, and have a clear outcome for the academic partner. There are rolling deadlines throughout the year with decisions normally made within 12 weeks.