Knowledge transfer partnerships

Collaborate with our creative researchers and take your business to the next level through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) are a great way to grow your business. Designed to support businesses in innovating their offer, KTPs are funded projects that allow you to expand your team and try out new ideas – all with the ongoing support of our academic experts. 

What is a KTP?

A KTP provides funding and support for UK-based organisations and universities to collaborate and employ a skilled graduate, who is mentored by a team of academics, to address a specific and strategic challenge faced by the business. Together they work on a project for one to three years to develop a new product, process, or service. 

The opportunity is a cost-effective way for business to benefit from access to academic expertise and university resources. 

What is the cost? 

A KTP is part-funded by Innovate UK. A typical KTP project costs around £80,000 to £100,000 per year. The grant rates are: 

• 75% for not-for-profit businesses of any size. 
• 67% for micro, small and medium-sized businesses. 
• 50% for large businesses and public sector organisations. 

The business organisation funds the remaining percentage. 

Business benefits of participating in a KTP 

By participating in a KTP you’ll be able to: 

• Develop a product or service that addresses a key business need.
• Increase annual pre-tax profits through access to new markets, new products and services.
• Create additional jobs.
• Embed expertise, generate new knowledge, and expand capabilities inside your organisation.
• Claim Research and Development (R&D) tax relief. 

Our research expertise 

Our researchers are experts in their field and work in the following areas: 

• Acting and Performance
• Animation and Visual Effects
• Architecture and Interior Design
• Communication Design
• Creative Computing and Technology
• Fashion (Communication and Promotion; Marketing and Business)
• Film and Production
• Fine Art
• Games Design and Development
• Illustration
• Photography
• Textile Design
• User Experience Design 

Contact the Knowledge Exchange team to discuss how we can work together.