Knowledge Transfer Partnerships: what they are and how to apply

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme helps businesses to innovate and grow. It does this by linking them with a university and a graduate to work on a specific project.

Each KTP is a three-way partnership between a business, an academic institution and a graduate. The academic institution employs the recently-qualified graduate who works at the company. The graduate, known as the ‘associate’, brings new skills and knowledge to the business.

A KTP can last between 12 and 36 months depending on the project and the needs of the business. It is part-funded by a grant. The amount businesses need to contribute is different for SMEs and larger companies.

2016 close dates for submission are:

11 May 2016
6 July 2016
7 September 2016
2 November 2016

The benefits of taking part in a KTP

businesses achieve an average increase in annual profit of more than £1 million after taking part. They also create around 2 new jobs
academic partners produce on average more than 3 new research projects and 2 research papers for each project
around 60% of associates are offered a permanent job in the company when the project ends

Find out if you’re eligible to apply for innovation funding

you can apply as a business if you are a company of any size or a not-for-profit organisation
you can apply as an academic partner if you are a university, college or research technology organisation
you can apply as an associate if you are a high-calibre recent graduate. You must have the knowledge and skills to lead an innovative and strategic business project

KTP for businesses

Taking part in a KTP can help you to develop your business. It can help you get the academic expertise that you don’t have in-house. This expertise can help your business perform better and become more competitive and productive.

A KTP is part-funded by a grant. You will need to contribute to the cost of the supervisor and the salary of the associate. The amount you will need to contribute depends on the scale and length of the project. It will also depend on the size of your company.

SMEs

If you are a small to medium-sized business, you will need to contribute a third of the costs. The average annual contribution to a project for an SME is around £23,000.

Large companies

If you are a larger business, you may need to contribute half the cost. The average annual contribution to a project for a larger company is around £30,000.

Get advice on taking part in a KTP

If you already have a working relationship with a university, you should contact them. Otherwise, you should get in touch with your local KTP adviser.

They will check the feasibility of your idea and tell you if it is suitable. They can also help you find the right academic or researcher to work on your project.

For more information click here.