Start your journey
Start your journey
If you have a strategic innovation idea for your business but don’t have all the in-house expertise needed to develop it, an Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) may be the perfect solution. Discover how it works here, or explore the benefits and check your eligibility below.
What can KTP offer me?
As a business
Want to innovate but don’t know where to start? See how a KTP can help you:
- Embed expertise, generate new knowledge and foster a culture of innovation
- Gain privileged access to the UK’s world-class knowledge bases
As a graduate
Fast track your career working closely with leading academics in your field.
- Own your own project, delivering positive change
- Take on a role that bridges academia and business
As an academic
See how your university can help to solve a strategic challenge at an innovative business or organisation.
- Apply knowledge and expertise to real-world problems
- Source of valuable research income
Is KTP right for me?
Select your type of organisation to see if you meet the basic requirements. If you qualify, the next step is to contact your local Knowledge Base to discuss the suitability of your project. To apply for a KTP all organisations must be UK registered. The grant is awarded to the Knowledge Base, with the organisation paying the remaining balance.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)
Micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may receive 67% of eligible project costs, with the business paying the balance. To determine your company size, check the thresholds below (you must meet at least two of the conditions outlined).
- Micro-entity: turnover must be not more than £632,000; the balance sheet total must be not more than £316,000; the average number of employees must be not more than 10
- Small company: annual turnover must be not more than £10.2 million; the balance sheet total must be not more than £5.1 million; the average number of employees must be not more than 50
- Medium-sized company: the annual turnover must be no more than £36 million; the balance sheet total must be no more than £18 million; the average number of employees must be no more than 250
Public sector
Public sector organisations can only apply for a Management KTP.
Eligible public sector organisations may receive 50% of eligible project costs, with the business paying the balance.
Eligible public sector organisations include:
- non-departmental public bodies and arm’s length bodies (ALBs)
- the NHS
- local authorities, bodies owned and controlled by local authorities
- government owned companies, nationalised industries, most trading funds and regulators
Not for profit
Not for profit organisations, charities or charitable businesses may receive up to 75% of eligible project costs, with the charity or charitable business paying the balance.
Not for profit organisations, charities or charitable business include:
- a registered charity
- a registered Community Interest Company
- a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation
- a charitable company
- an exempt or excepted charity
- a registered charitable industrial and provident society or charitable Cooperative (Bencom)
Large organisation
Large companies may receive 50% of eligible project costs, with the business paying the balance.
Any companies that do not meet the criteria for micro-entities, small or medium are considered to be large companies. If you’re unsure, check the Companies House accounts guidance for further information.