About
Discover Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) connect ambitious businesses and organisations with academic experts to turn innovative ideas into reality.
Supporting innovation in every sector
Since 1975, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have driven innovation and growth by creating collaborations between businesses and academic institutions.
KTPs are tailored to the specific requirements of individual partnerships, each addressing specific needs. Through the placement of highly qualified graduates, businesses gain innovative solutions, new technologies and expertise over 12-36 months.
Supported by academic partners, graduates help implement business solutions. KTPs have proven effective, generating over £2 billion for the UK economy from 2010-2020, and currently support around 800 businesses, 100 knowledge bases (this could be a university, college, research and technology organisation or Catapult) and over 850 graduates.
Find out more about the three partners who make up each KTP collaboration below, or explore some of our project success stories.
Who are the partners?
Businesses
Businesses and not-for-profit organisations gain access to the UK’s world-class academic expertise.
Academics
Academics have a valuable opportunity to apply research outcomes to real-life challenges.
Graduates
Graduates, known as Associates, get a unique career springboard through one of the biggest recruitment platforms in the UK.
Who is eligible?
KTPs are open to:
- UK-based businesses or organisations, with two or more full-time equivalent employees. This includes not-for-profit organisations, such as social enterprises, charities and some public sector organisations
- UK-registered higher education or further education institutions, Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) or Catapults
- qualified graduates, with the capability to lead a strategic business project
Read more about the eligibility criteria for a KTP.
How are KTPs funded?
KTPs are part-funded by a grant from the UK government’s innovation agency, Innovate UK, and other government co-funders. The remaining contribution of the project costs are from the business, which are variable:
- for small and medium-sized businesses, 67% of the project cost is grant funded
- for large businesses, 50% is grant funded
- for the third sector, 75% is grant funded
Find out more about funding a KTP.
How do I apply for a KTP?
Eligible companies who have partnered with a Knowledge Base can apply for funding through competitive calls. The process takes time – it often takes six to eight weeks to develop a partnership.
Check here for the current list of opening and closing dates. All dates are subject to change.
Get started today
Find advice and support to help develop your Knowledge Transfer Partnership from idea to impact.