Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): 2023 to 2024 Round 2

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme allows a UK registered business or not for profit organisation, (which we will refer to collectively as the ‘business partner’ from now on) to partner with a ‘knowledge base partner’ (either a UK higher education (HE) or further education (FE) institution, research and technology organisation (RTO) or Catapult).

The KTP partnership brings new skills and the latest academic thinking into the business partner to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project. The knowledge base partner recruits the ‘associate’ to work on the project. The associate has the opportunity to lead a strategic development within the business developing new skills and gaining valuable experience.

Guidance on how to apply for a KTP is available.

Each application must be led by a knowledge base, working with a business partner and supported by a knowledge transfer adviser.

If you are a business and do not yet have a relationship with a knowledge base partner, the knowledge transfer adviser can help you to identify one.

Eligibility

Each KTP is a partnership between the following:

• a UK knowledge base, acting as lead organisation and submitting the application
• a UK registered business, not for profit organisation or eligible public sector organisation

We use the term ‘business partner’ for businesses, public sector organisations, not for profit organisations, charities, or charitable businesses. Public sector organisations can only apply for a Management KTP; some exclusions apply, see the application link for details.

The knowledge base partner must lead the project and must be a UK registered higher education (HE) or further education (FE) institution, Research Technology Organisation (RTO) or Catapult, registered as a knowledge base with the KTP programme.

The business partner must be a UK registered business, not for profit organisation or eligible public sector organisation, with 2 or more full time equivalent employees, and will host the associate.

Each knowledge base can collaborate with any number of business partners. Each business partner (including separate businesses within a business group) can only take part in up to 4 concurrent KTP funded projects.

Applications must be supported by an Innovate UK appointed Knowledge Transfer Adviser (KTA) who will be informed of your application. It will be withdrawn from the competition if they have not given their support.

Scope

Your application must be for a specific, strategic innovation project that tackles one or more challenges faced by the business partner.

It can be any kind of project and must show:

• why the business needs this KTP
• what new knowledge is required by the business
• what new capabilities will be embedded as a result of the KTP

To find out more about KTP, read the KTP guidance or visit the KTP website.