Apply for funding to collaborate in a business-academic partnership

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership can help UK businesses collaborate with a university, research organisation or highly qualified graduate.

Businesses can apply for a share of £40 million to participate in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

KTPs offer funding and support to turn academic insight into successful products and services, promoting growth and future development.

Businesses can build on existing relationships with an academic partner or begin a new collaboration with a university, college or research and technology organisation.

Search for and contact a Knowledge Transfer Adviser.

Translating research into commercial success

The KTP programme was expanded in the 2018 Budget, with £25 million invested to create more than 200 spaces for additional graduates and academics to work together over the next 5 years.

UK businesses looking to work on innovative projects with graduates or research entities can receive funding and support through KTPs.

Projects can focus on any technology or industry area, and last between 1 to 3 years.

Applicants must:

• focus on a specific project
• set out the nature and goals of the project
• give details of who will take part
• establish what the graduate is expected to deliver

Qioptiq’s largest ever contract

Qioptiq designs and manufactures photonic products across multiple markets and sectors, including X-ray imaging for medical and modules for defence.

Following a KTP with the Cardiff Business School at Cardiff University, Qioptiq secured a contract with the Ministry of Defence worth £82 million – the company’s largest ever – to ensure UK armed forces will have access to essential night vision equipment.

As a result of the contract, Qioptiq opened a £3.7 million warehouse in North Wales and increased its staff numbers.

Read more about the partnership.

Programme information

• applications for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are open throughout the year
• the deadline for applications for this round is 29 May 2019. If an application misses a deadline it will automatically be entered into the next round
• projects can last between 1 to 3 years
• businesses and not-for-profit organisations of any size can apply
• the size of the grant and own contribution can vary. Typically:
  • small and medium-sized businesses can contribute around £35,000 per year, or around one-third of the project costs
  • large businesses contribute about £55,000 per year, or half of the project costs

Find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and how to apply.