Improve Business Competitiveness Through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Innovation is the lifeblood of any business, but how do you access and apply the expertise needed to make it happen?
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships could be the answer, creating a dynamic collaboration between a business and the UK’s world-class knowledge base to power strategic innovation projects, embed expertise and drive commercial growth.
The partnership is designed to realise a transformative business opportunity and can last for anything from one to three years. All of the knowledge gained during this time is embedded in the business, providing a valuable base to build on long after the project has finished.
You’ll also benefit from the strategic input of a highly experienced Knowledge Transfer Adviser who will work with you to initially scope out and assess your project idea and continue providing advice, direction and mentoring throughout the lifetime of the project, as well as linking you with the wider resources of the Knowledge Transfer Network.
Applications are welcomed from all sectors and from SMEs through to large enterprises, and applications enjoy a very high success rate (around 90% are successful).  To apply, simply contact your local Knowledge Transfer Adviser – find your nearest Adviser here.
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Why a Knowledge Transfer Partnership?
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can help your business:
• Embed expertise, generate new knowledge, expand capability and foster a culture of innovation
• Drive competitive advantage through accelerated innovation, efficiency gains, increased revenues (new markets and NPD) and the possibility of creating Intellectual Property,
• Gain privileged and cost-effective access to the UK’s world-class knowledge base and resources to give you the edge on strategic development.
Phil Goddard, CEO, Csols Ltd
“ Knowledge Transfer Partnerships were not really on my radar but when I found out more about them I realised it was the precise mechanism we needed to deliver our innovation goals.  It has transformed our business, taking us in to new markets and bringing in fresh thinking and capability which has made us much better able to develop the kind of ideas which will expand our business for years to come.”
Funding and costs
The cost of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project is shared by the company and by Innovate UK and other government co-funders who contribute 50-67% of the project cost via a grant to the research organisation or university. The company makes a cash contribution for the remaining project cost, with a small-to-medium business contributing 33% (on average around £30,000) and a large company 50% (usually around £45,000) per annum.
Find out more about how your business could benefit from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership here
Case Study
How to Apply
The first competition is now open with a closing date of 4 July 2018* but successive competitions are open continuously throughout the year. If you’re interested in applying, contact your nearest Knowledge Transfer Adviser here.  They are based all over the country and will help you every step of the way.
Dates and Deadlines
The KTP programme 2018 to 2019 is run continuously throughout the year. This table contains the full list of open and close dates.
| Open date | Close date | |
| 10 May 2018 | 4 July 2018* | |
| 5 July 2018 | 19 September 2018 | |
| 20 September 2018 | 31 October 2018 | |
| 1 November 2018 | 12 December 2018 | |
| 13 December 2018 | 6 February 2019 | |
| 7 February 2019 | 3 April 2019 |