Unlock the full potential of your business with a Knowledge Transfer Partnership – a unique collaboration between your company, our expert academics, and a talented graduate.
What is a KTP?
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are a UK-wide programme funded by Innovate UK, designed to help businesses enhance competitiveness, productivity, and performance. A KTP can connect your business with Solent University, giving you direct access to specialist knowledge, cutting-edge research, and expert academic support to tackle key challenges and drive innovation.
At the heart of the partnership is a Knowledge Transfer Associate (KTA) — a highly skilled graduate or postgraduate, recruited specifically to work on your project. They operate within your business applying academic expertise to deliver strategic improvements, develop new products or processes, and embed valuable skills that drive long-term success.
As part of the KTP partnership Innovate UK will provide regional experts called Knowledge Transfer Advisers (KTAs) to foster the partnership and offer extensive experience, independent advice and a commitment to the delivery of successful KTP.
A KTP offers a powerful solution for businesses facing complex challenges, enabling you to benefit from a collaborative approach that combines academic excellence with real-world industry impact.
How is it funded?
A KTP is part-funded by UKRI through Innovate UK, with the remaining costs covered by the business partner. Depending on the nature of the project, businesses may be able to offset costs through R&D tax relief.
While project costs can vary, they typically range from £80,000 to £100,000 per year.
Funding support is available at a:
- 67% grant rate for SMEs.
- 50% for large businesses.
- up to 75% for eligible not-for-profit organisations.
The cost of a KTP is comparable to hiring a well-qualified graduate or postgraduate, but the value it delivers extends far beyond recruitment, covering:
- Expertise from at least two academic specialists.
- The associate’s full employment costs.
- Project related consumables.
- Mentoring, training and development support.
- Travel and subsistence expenses.
- Access to world-class university facilities and resources.
A KTP is an investment in innovation, talent, and long-term business success, offering far more than a conventional hire.
The benefits to business
By engaging in a KTP, businesses gain access to cutting-edge research and expertise while achieving measurable, long-term benefits. An independent evaluation of KTPs commissioned by Innovate UK (2010–2020) highlighted the significant impact the programme has had on participating businesses. The findings demonstrate how KTPs drive innovation, business growth, and academic collaboration, ensuring companies remain competitive in their industry. The key benefits reported by businesses included:
- Accelerated innovation and growth – 70% of KTP businesses improved existing products/services, while 57% successfully launched new ones.
- Boost in performance and profitability – 83% of businesses saw increased productivity, profitability, employment, and/or turnover.
- Enhanced skills and technical expertise – 87% of businesses improved their technical knowledge, while 66% increased their capability to introduce performance-enhancing practices.
- Strengthening of academic collaboration – 79% of businesses now place greater value on academic expertise, with many continuing partnerships beyond the KTP.
How does it work?
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) is a powerful way to drive innovation and growth, connecting your business with academic expertise to solve real-world challenges. Here’s how it works:
- Define the challenge – Identify a key area for innovation within your business, such as developing a new product, improving processes, or enhancing efficiency.
- Partner with our experts – We match you with our leading academic specialists who can bring cutting-edge knowledge and research insights to your business.
- Building the application – You will work together with our academics in developing a strong proposal that aligns with Innovate UK’s criteria. We’ll work with you to clearly define the project objectives, outline expected outcomes, and submit a compelling application to secure funding for the KTP.
- Recruit a high-calibre graduate (KTP Associate) – Upon successful application we will seek to employ a talented graduate or postgraduate that is embedded in your company to lead the project, working full-time with support from a lead academic and academic supervisor who facilitate the knowledge transfer process.
- Achieve long-term impact – Beyond solving immediate challenges, the knowledge and skills gained remain within your business, creating lasting improvements and a competitive advantage.
Who can benefit?
KTPs are ideal for businesses of all sizes and sectors looking to enhance productivity, develop new technologies, or embed expertise that will give them a competitive edge in the market. Whether you're an SME, multinational, or non-profit organisation, a KTP can provide the resources and expertise needed to drive innovation and achieve your strategic goals.
What will you need?
Here’s what you’ll need if you are interested in exploring the opportunity of a KTP:
- Internal resource – Enough staff and financial capacity to support the project.
- A long-term vision – Willingness to engage in a multi-year collaboration focused on innovation and business growth.
- A strategic focus on innovation – A defined business strategy that prioritises research, development, and long-term impact.
- Commitment to collaboration – A proactive approach to working alongside academic experts and supporting a KTP Associate’s professional development.
Get started today
Partnering with us to create a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) could be the key to unlocking new opportunities, drive innovation, and gaining a competitive edge. Whether you have a specific challenge in mind or want to explore how our academic expertise can support your growth, we’re here to help.
Our team will be happy to guide you through the process, from initial discussions to securing funding and project delivery. To express your interest and have an initial discussion about the programme enter your details here and a member of the team will be in touch.
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