Knowledge transfer partnerships

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) 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