Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
(KTP)

KTP is a part government-funded initiative enabling forward-thinking businesses to harness universities' expert knowledge, technology and research, to help them improve their processes and products, via innovative projects.

KTP is a three-way partnership between a business, academic/research institution and a qualified graduate. The graduate will work on the strategic, innovative project for up to three years under the supervision of a Kingston University academic team and a manager based within the organisation.

If you have a strategic challenge which is central to the development of your business, but perhaps are lacking the specialised knowledge and expertise to address it, a KTP could offer a solution.

The KTP programme has supported over 13,000 partnerships that have linked businesses with the UK's world-class knowledge bases to deliver innovation projects led by talented graduates, delivering an 800% return on investment.

For more detailed information about KTP please visit the UK Research and Innovation website and Innovate UK's KTP website.

Benefits of KTP
for businesses

  • Acces qualified experts to lead strategic projects and help take your organisation forward.
  • Embed expertise, expand capability and foster a culture of innovation
  • Increase revenue/profits through access to new markets, new product development, increased productivity and better processes.
  • Develop innovative solutions to help your organisation grow.
  • Increase your competitive advantage and profitability.
  • Improve your performance/business operations.

Businesses typically achieve significantly increased growth in turnover and profitability as well as creating new jobs.

 

 

Type of businessAverage costProportion of project costs
funded by Innovate UK
Proportion of project
costs funded by company
SME £35,000 per year Approx. 67% Approx. 33%
Large companies £55,000 per year Approx. 50% Approx. 50%

Eligible project costs depend on many factors including project duration, the nature and location of the work etc. The figures indicated give an idea of how much companies need to contribute.

Examples of KTP projects include:

  • Developing new technologies, digital platforms and mobile applications across many sectors
  • Improving customer experience and increasing sales
  • Embedding knowledge in marketing, branding and product design
  • Researching materials and concept testing
  • Developing quality assurance frameworks and systems
  • Developing and embedding in-house skills and expertise.

A dedicated member of UCA's Innovation Team will work with you throughout the application process and for the lifetime of the project, alongside a KTP Advisor from Innovate UK. The process follows these steps:

  • Check the feasibility of your idea 
  • Scope out and cost the project
  • Find an academic partner
  • Complete an online application form.
  • Consideration of proposals.
  • Issue of a grant offer letter.
  • Recruitment of a suitably qualified graduate to work on the project, based at your company (known as an associate).
  • KTP begins.

The KTP associate is employed by the University on behalf of your company, so you do not have an extra person on your payroll. The budget also includes allowances for travel, expenses and equipment, all subsidised by the grant.

The Associate works in the company as a member of staff, keeping to company hours and regulations. The project can also draw on University resources, including expertise from other departments, equipment and facilities and our extensive library and online databases.

 

Collaborate with us

Our Innovation Team works with businesses, the public sector, and voluntary organisations around the world to drive creative innovation and create tangible impact. Learn more about the KTP funding for business via email: ROffice@uca.ac.uk

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Innovation
areas

Our KE programme includes collaborations within the creative industries, focusing on three key areas that are already making a global impact: